DPS deposit dispute: how it works
The DPS is one of the three government-approved deposit protection schemes in England and Wales.
Last checked 27 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
How to do it
- If your landlord claims part of the deposit, the DPS asks whether you agree. If you do, it pays out within two business days.
- If you don't agree and can't settle it with the landlord, the DPS dispute resolution service is free.
- Once a dispute starts, you have 14 calendar days from the DPS email to upload your evidence, with up to 1,000 characters explaining why you reject the claim.
If Deposit Protection Service (DPS) says no
- An adjudicator looks at both sides' evidence and decides. The landlord is expected to provide evidence to justify the claim.
- The DPS aims to resolve most disputes within 15 days of the adjudicator receiving the case.
Worth knowing about Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
Evidence can't be removed once you've submitted it, so check it first.
Read the full guide: Deposit deductions: how to get your money back
Tenancy deposit deductions: our service (coming soon)
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