If you rent in England or Wales, first check your tenancy paperwork and contact your landlord or letting agent in writing to ask which approved scheme protects your deposit. Landlords generally must protect an eligible deposit and give you the required information within 30 days, but the rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. You can also check the websites of the three approved schemes: Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. If you cannot confirm protection, contact your local council or a housing adviser, who can explain your options based on your circumstances.