Prescribed information
Contents
The Renters' Rights Act
Important note: The Renters' Rights Act became law in England on 27 October 2025. However, at the time of writing, it is not yet in force and the implementation date is unknown.
The information in this guide reflects the current legal position. We will update it with any changes arising from the new law as the timescales become known.
In the meantime, see our article on the Renters' Rights Act for a summary of the pending changes.
What does 'prescribed information' mean?
After receiving a deposit, you (or your agent) must give the tenant certain written information called the 'prescribed information'. It's called this because it's required by law. You must give the information within:
- 30 calendar days in England & Wales
- 30 working days in Scotland
- 35 calendar days in Northern Ireland
If anyone pays the deposit for the tenant (such as a parent or employer) you must also give them this information. You're recommended to provide the information in a separate written document.
You may need to provide proof that you've given the required information to the tenant (and anyone who's paid the deposit for the tenant) if you use the accelerated possession procedure in England – see Accelerated possession procedure.
What is the information?
England Wales and Northern Ireland
- Landlord (or agent)'s contact details (In Northern Ireland the landlord needs to provide an email and mobile number, a correspondence address in Northern Ireland and any agent also needs to provide their name, address and telephone number)
- Tenant's contact details including those to contact the tenant at the end of the tenancy
- Contact details of anyone who paid the deposit for the tenant
- Tenancy deposit scheme's name and contact details
- Information explaining operation of the scheme
- Amount and purpose of the deposit
- Address of the property
- Circumstances where you can keep some or all of the deposit at the end of the tenancy (with reference to the terms of the tenancy agreement)
- How to apply for the return of the deposit at the end of the tenancy
- What to do if there's a dispute about the deposit at the end of the tenancy
- What to do if the landlord or tenant can't be contacted at the end of the tenancy
Scotland
- Confirmation of the amount of the deposit and the date it was received
- The date that the tenancy deposit was paid to the deposit scheme provider
- Address of the property
- A statement that you are, or have applied to be, entered onto the local authorities register
- Tenancy deposit scheme's name and contact details
- Circumstances where you can keep some or all of the deposit at the end of the tenancy (with reference to the terms of the tenancy agreement)