Prescribed Information: What Every Tenant Needs to Know
Navigating the rental property market can be a minefield, especially when it comes to understanding the legalities surrounding your tenancy deposit. One very important aspect that often gets overlooked is the "prescribed information" that landlords are legally required to provide. Failing to receive this information can have significant implications for both tenants and landlords.
In this guide, we'll delve into what prescribed information entails, why it's essential, and what steps you can take if you haven't received it.
Quick Summary
👉 Prescribed information is the legal summary your landlord must give you when they protect your deposit.
👉 It must be served within 30 days of the deposit being received and must be accurate and up to date.
👉 Failing to receive this properly can invalidate eviction notices and entitle you to compensation.
What Is Prescribed Information?
Prescribed information is a written notice that landlords or letting agents must give tenants when protecting a tenancy deposit in a government-approved scheme. It includes details about the deposit, how it’s protected, and how it will be returned.
The law requires it to be served in a very specific format - either exactly as outlined in legislation or in a format that’s "substantially to the same effect."
In other words, it can’t just be a vague nod to some T&Cs and a handshake. It must include particular details and documents. More on that below.
Why Is Prescribed Information Important?
Because without it, things can get legally murky. If your landlord doesn’t serve the prescribed information correctly, they may:
Be unable to issue a Section 21 notice to evict you.
Be liable to pay you between one and three times the deposit amount as compensation.
When Should You Receive Prescribed Information?
You should receive the prescribed information within 30 calendar days of paying your deposit. If you’re renting through a reputable agent, this will usually be sent to you automatically. Still, it’s always worth checking.
You’ll typically receive it by email or as part of a pack when you sign the tenancy agreement.
What Does Prescribed Information Include?
Here’s what must be provided:
The name, address, and contact details of the landlord.
The address of the rented property.
The amount of the deposit taken.
The name and contact details of the tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme used.
The circumstances in which some or all of the deposit may be retained.
Confirmation that the deposit is held in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
The procedures for deposit repayment at the end of the tenancy.
The procedures if either party cannot be contacted at the end of the tenancy.
The procedures for resolving disputes about the deposit.
A copy of the information leaflet from the deposit protection scheme (not just a summary or link).
A statement confirming which tenant or third party paid the deposit and how any interest will be handled.
A signed declaration from the landlord (or agent) confirming the information is accurate.
It must also include a declaration giving the tenant (and any third party who paid the deposit) a chance to sign and acknowledge receipt of the prescribed information.
If the deposit was paid by multiple tenants, the prescribed information must include each tenant's name and contact details. Landlords may serve it to a lead tenant or all tenants.
Where a third party (such as a parent, employer or guarantor) has paid the deposit, they must also be given a copy.
Some schemes, such as the Deposit Protection Service, also require landlords to include a copy of the scheme’s terms and conditions.
What If There Are Joint Tenants or Guarantors?
For joint tenancies, the prescribed information must include the name and contact details of each tenant. Landlords can choose to serve it to all tenants or just the lead tenant, but it must make clear who’s responsible for what.
If someone else (like a parent or employer) paid the deposit, they must also receive a copy of the prescribed information.
What If the Landlord’s Details Change?
If the landlord’s name, address, or contact details change - for example, due to marriage or a change in managing agent - the prescribed information must be updated and re-served.
This doesn’t reset the 30-day clock, but it does mean the tenant must be informed promptly. If they’re not, the landlord could lose legal protections.
Do You Need to Sign the Prescribed Information?
Yes. Tenants must be given the chance to check and sign the prescribed information. This confirms that:
You’ve received it.
The information is correct.
You know how your deposit is protected.
If you’ve never seen or signed anything beyond the tenancy agreement, it’s worth asking your landlord or agent to confirm this has been served.
How Can You Check Your Deposit Is Registered?
There isn’t a single tool to check all schemes, but each government-approved scheme has its own online checker:
Use the one named in your prescribed information to confirm your deposit is registered.
What Happens If You Don’t Receive It?
If you don’t receive the prescribed information, or if it’s served late or inaccurately, your landlord may be in breach of the Housing Act 2004.
That gives you two main protections:
Compensation: You can apply to the court for between 1x and 3x the deposit amount.
Eviction Protection: Your landlord cannot serve a valid Section 21 eviction notice until the issue is fixed.
In our experience, landlords who fail to serve prescribed information often fail in other areas too - so it’s worth double-checking everything.
What About Short-Term or Corporate Lets?
Even for short-term lets, if a deposit is taken and an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is in place, prescribed information rules still apply.
However, some company lets and non-AST agreements (like licence agreements) aren’t covered by TDP rules. If in doubt, check with your agent or legal adviser.
Final Thoughts on Prescribed Information
Prescribed information isn’t just another bit of paperwork - it’s the legal foundation of deposit protection in the UK. It’s there for you.
Get it. Check it. Sign it.
In our experience, tenants who ask for the right paperwork upfront avoid drama later. And trust us, there’s already enough drama in British housing without adding avoidable admin errors to the list.
If you’re unsure what you’ve received or whether it’s compliant, ask your letting agent or relocation provider to review it with you.
FAQs
What Happens If My Landlord Doesn't Give Me the Prescribed Information?
They’re in breach of the law. You may be entitled to compensation (up to three times your deposit), and they can't issue a Section 21 eviction notice until they’ve corrected it.
Can I Check If My Deposit Is Protected?
Yes - use the online checkers to confirm your deposit is properly registered with one of the three recognised schemes.
Do I Still Need the Prescribed Information If My Letting Agent Registered the Deposit?
Yes. Even if a letting agent handles the deposit, you're still entitled to receive the prescribed information - it’s a legal must.
Is There a Time Limit for Providing Prescribed Information?
Yes - landlords (or their agents) must give you the prescribed information within 30 calendar days of receiving your deposit.
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