Overview: How long to keep your tax records in the UK: a plain guide
Your landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of getting it. They must return it within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you get back. Keep every paper that proves what you paid and what was agreed.
For tax papers rather than tenancy papers, see our guide to keeping tax records in the UK.
At a glance
| Item | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Protecting the deposit | Within 30 days of the landlord receiving it |
| Information for the tenant | Scheme name and contact details, landlord details, and any third party who paid the deposit |
| Returning the deposit | Within 10 days of you both agreeing the amount |
| Deposit not protected | The court may order up to 3 times the deposit, within 14 days of the order |
Why these papers matter
If you disagree with your landlord about what can be taken from your deposit, your papers are your evidence. The information the landlord gave you about the scheme also proves the deposit was protected.
The government guidance on this is on the tenancy deposit protection page and the page on information landlords must give tenants.
What to keep
- the tenancy agreement and any changes to it
- proof you paid the deposit and the rent
- the information sent by your landlord about the deposit scheme
- the inventory or check-in report, and photographs taken on the day you moved in
- the check-out report and messages about deductions
How long to keep them
The government pages we read set no fixed keeping period for tenancy papers, so we do not give one. As a habit, keep them until the deposit is back in your account and any dispute is closed. If your landlord did not protect the deposit, keep everything until that question is settled.
Special cases
You rent in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Those nations run their own deposit schemes, so check the guidance for where you live.
Your deposit was not protected. Keep the proof of payment and every message. A court may order the landlord to pay you up to 3 times the deposit.
How to stay organised
Photograph or scan the agreement and inventory on the day you move in. Add the check-in photos in the same folder.
With Coffrio, you file them under Housing and add a reminder for the end of the tenancy, so you know when to ask for the deposit and when the folder can be tidied.
Sources
Tenancy deposit protection, information landlords must give tenants and if your landlord does not protect your deposit, GOV.UK, consulted on 20 September 2026.
Coffrio reminds you before the date
Scan a document once, note its deadline, and Coffrio tells you when it matters. Private, organized, always with you.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly must a landlord protect my deposit?
The landlord or letting agent must put your deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
How soon must I get my deposit back?
Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing how much you will get back.
What if my deposit was not protected?
The court may order the landlord to pay you up to 3 times the deposit within 14 days of making the order, if your deposit was not protected as required.
General information, up to date as of 20 September 2026. It does not replace legal advice. Coffrio is not affiliated with any government body.
