Guide for landlords

Deposit protection in Wales: the 30-day rule

Two things must happen within 30 days of taking a deposit - and getting either wrong costs more than the deposit itself.

Checked against the legislation on 23/09/2026. This is general information for landlords in Wales, not legal advice for your circumstances.

What the law requires

In Wales a deposit must be protected in an approved deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it, and the prescribed information given to the contract holder within the same 30 days.

What happens if it is not done

If either step is missed, a court must order you to pay the contract holder between one and three times the deposit.

You also cannot serve a no-fault notice until the deposit has been returned or the claim dealt with - so a mistake at the start of a contract can stop you ending it later.

Not sure yours was done properly?

Our free compliance check asks about the deposit, along with the other things landlords most often get wrong. For the law itself, see Schedule 5 to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

The written statement and the 14 days Benefits and children: the 01/06/2026 rules Is your rental ready for winter? All guides for landlords

Not sure where your property stands? Both of these are free, and neither commits you to anything.

Does your property meet the law in Wales? Ten questions, two minutes. A written result by email, covering Rent Smart Wales, safety certificates, deposits and the 2026 rules. What should your property let for? Tell us about it and we will email you a rent range within one working day - from a Cardiff property manager, not an algorithm.