The three authorised tenancy deposit schemes
Housing Act 2004 s.213(1) requires AST deposits to be dealt with in accordance with an authorised scheme. Three are approved in England and Wales. Check each one — a landlord who says "it's protected" without a certificate is not proof.
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
Official checker: Tenant surname, tenancy start (month + year), property postcode, deposit amount — or a Deposit ID.
Custodial and InsuredTenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
Official checker: Deposit account number (EWC.
Custodial and Insuredmydeposits
Official checker: Tenant tools hub — check deposit protection status via the tenant portal (surname + property details).
That is your evidence. Request written confirmation from each scheme that no deposit is registered for your tenancy — the "certificate of non-protection" — and keep the replies. Combined with your tenancy agreement and bank statement showing the payment, it proves strict liability under s.213(3) for court. Then use the 30-day breach calculator and the free Letter Before Action builder.
Casewright claim pack
Landlord in the landlord failed the 30-day rule? The Casewright Tenancy Deposit Pack generates your formal 14-day Letter Before Claim and Money Claim Online particulars citing s.213 and s.214 Housing Act 2004. Flat £69 — no percentage of your award, unlike no-win-no-fee deposit lawyers who take 35–42%.