In England and Wales, a landlord or letting agent must usually protect a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it. They must also give you information about the scheme and how your deposit will be returned. If there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy, the scheme can offer a free dispute-resolution service, subject to its rules. Different arrangements apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the relevant guidance on GOV.UK or your nation’s official housing website.