For most private tenancies in England and Wales, a landlord must protect a deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days and give you the required information. The main schemes offer either a custodial service, where they hold the money, or insurance-backed protection, where the landlord keeps it; they can help resolve disputes at the end of the tenancy. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules and deadlines. Check the relevant guidance on GOV.UK or contact an approved scheme, and consider advice from a solicitor regulated by the SRA if your deposit was not protected.