Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about how DepositPass works for you.

What is DepositPass?

DepositPass is a solution that provides landlords with a secure coverage for their properties at no cost, while also saving tenants money on a rental deposit compared to traditional methods. Our solution provides peace of mind to landlords and helps tenants avoid paying a large chunk of their savings just for the rental deposit. By choosing DepositPass, you’ll benefit from a great solution that works for both landlords and tenants.

How does DepositPass work?

With DepositPass, tenants can easily find the best deposit solution by entering our platform and completing a step-by-step questionnaire. Our solution will guide you to the best deposit option that suits your needs. For landlords, simply register your properties and invite tenants to use DepositPass to secure the full deposit cycle. By choosing DepositPass, both tenants and landlords can enjoy a hassle-free experience.

How can I benefit from DepositPass as a renter?

Creating a Tenant’s DepositPass account can help you save up to 35% on your rental deposit compared to traditional methods. With DepositPass, you’ll find a rental deposit solution that works for you, saving you time and money, whether you’re renting now or in the future.

How can I benefit from DepositPass as a Landlord?

DepositPass provides landlords with a high response rate and better security in case of disputes, while also vetting tenants to reduce the risk of issues. It’s free to use and allows landlords to recover any outstandings. DepositPass also offers additional protection if agreed upon with the tenant.

How fair is DepositPass in case of conflict between Renters and Landlords ?

DepositPass ensures fairness and professionalism in handling disputes between tenants and landlords through our partnership with MyDeposits. It provides an independent and impartial dispute resolution service, with adjudicators who are experienced in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures. This means that disputes are handled efficiently and fairly, based on the issues in dispute and the evidence provided. As a customer, you can have complete confidence in the dispute resolution process, knowing that it is designed to protect your interests and provide a satisfactory outcome.

More information here

When will I receive the payout if my claim is successful and the renter is found liable?

If your claim is successful and the tenant is found liable, you can expect to receive the payout shortly (within 5 business days) after the tenant’s grace period has expired, if the required payments have not been made.

What savings products are assignable?

At DepositPass, we offer flexibility to fit your financial situation. You can secure rental deposits using various types of savings products, including:

Standard Savings Accounts: With DepositPass, you can easily use any standard savings account from UK banks to secure your rental deposit. Your money remains in your account, continuing to earn interest while being assigned as a rental deposit. Simply assign the required deposit amount from your savings to the landlord. The funds stay in your account but are blocked for the rental period to cover any potential disputes, providing a seamless and secure solution.
Life Insurance Savings Policies: DepositPass also allows you to utilise existing life insurance savings policies as a secure deposit option. This provides an alternative to traditional deposit methods while keeping your life insurance benefits intact. Assign a defined amount from your life savings policy to the landlord. The funds remain secure in the policy and are only blocked for the rental period to cover any potential disputes. This option also offers flexibility and security for both tenants and landlords.
Third-Party Savings Accounts: For tenants who may not have sufficient savings, DepositPass offers the flexibility to assign deposit amounts from savings accounts or life insurance savings of family members or friends. A family member or friend can assign the necessary deposit amount from their savings account to your landlord. The funds stay in their account, earning interest, and are blocked during the rental period. This allows you to leverage the support of others while securing your rental deposit effectively.

Where can I find a draft of a tenancy agreement with DepositPass as a deposit replacement product?

You can access the draft of the tenancy agreement, along with the annexed document titled ‘Security Assignment of Insurance Benefits,’ by clicking here.

Here

General

What is a tenant's deposit?

Also called security deposit, it is the money that is paid to a landlord by a tenant to help protect the landlord against possible financial loss. The tenant’s deposit is held by the landlord during the term of the tenancy and refunded at the termination of the tenancy agreement.

What is the maximum tenant's deposit?

In England no more than five weeks’ rent is payable where the annual rent is less than £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent exceeds £50,000.

There is no limit on the amount of deposit a landlord/agent can ask for in Northern Ireland.

Usually, it is the equivalent of 1 month’s rent in Wales.

In Scotland a deposit cannot exceed 2 months’ rent. Charging any more than 2 months’ rent for a deposit constitutes an illegal premium.

Start of tenancy

What documentation should my landlord or agent give to me at the beginning of my tenancy?

There are a few documents that your agent should provide you with at the beginning of your tenancy and these should include:

How to rent guide
Energy Performance Certificate
Gas Safety Certificate
Electrical Safety Certificate
Instruction manuals for appliances such as the boiler
Signed Tenancy Agreement
Inventory or check-in report

What can I do at the start of a tenancy to protect myself from any cleaning or damage charges that I am not responsible for when I move out?

We would encourage you to take time to read your check-in report/inventory and go around the property checking that the description of the items, condition of the decor and standard of cleaning is consistent with that which is stated. Usually, it will be a true representation of the property, but this is your opportunity to query any missing items or inconsistencies as you see them. If you find that, for example, the check-in report states that the oven is cleaned to a professional standard but that the grills are greasy, make a note on the inventory and report this to the landlord immediately.

Often the landlord will ask you to return the inventory within 7 days and report any cleaning issues within 48 hours and it is important that you stick to any timescales given. While taking photographs is a good idea, it is difficult to establish cleanliness from a photograph, so while they can be great supporting evidence in some cases (for example the inside of an oven), the written description is key. It is impossible to photograph a smell, or something that is sticky, and taking a photograph of dust on a carpet can be equally tricky, so clear, concise wording describing the item is most useful. It can also be a good idea to pay special attention to areas which tend to have the most use or require the most cleaning, such as:

The oven
The shower/bath
The fridge/freezer (this should also be defrosted)
The windows
The flooring

What happens if my tenancy did not go ahead?

If you did not move into the property and the tenancy did not commence, please contact our team at info@depositpass.com

During tenancy

What should I do if I am falling into rent arrears?

You will be in ‘rent arrears’ if you fall behind with your rent payments to your private landlord or agent.

Although dealing with rent arrears can be tough, you should take action as quickly as possible. If you ignore your arrears, the problem will only get worse.

See if you can agree to a repayment plan to pay off your rent arrears.

A repayment plan means you’ll make smaller payments to your landlord over a longer period of time. You will still have to pay everything back – but it could be easier than paying the full amount in one go.

Who is responsible for maintaining the guttering and external condition of the building?

Your landlord is generally responsible for keeping in repair:

The structures and exterior of your home, for example, the walls, roof, foundations, drains, guttering and external pipes, windows and external doors
Basins, sinks, baths, toilets and their pipework
Water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, water tanks, boilers, radiators, gas fires, fitted electric fires or fitted heaters.

Your landlord can only make repairs when he/she knows there is a problem – so make sure you tell him/she about any repairs that are needed.

My property has mould, what should I do?

Tenants have a duty of care to promptly alert landlords to any areas of concern that may need repairing or replacing, such as when mould starts to appear. But who is responsible for mould during the tenancy? Typically, the response we usually see is that landlords are responsible when there is a fault with the building that caused the mould, for example, a leaky pipe.

Tenants are responsible for housekeeping and if the mould develops during their tenancy i.e., was not present at the beginning of the tenancy and was not as the result of a fault with the property, it may be down to lifestyle. However, this is not always the case, and every case should be considered based on the evidence provided. You should seek legal advice if you wish to know the likelihood of a result in your individual case.

I want a pet, does this affect my DepositPass?

You don’t have to pay a penny more than our fee.

Please remember that pets should only ever be kept in accommodation where they are expressly allowed. As always, you’re expected to treat your rented accommodation with care and to cover the cost of any damages at the end of your tenancy.

Who do I contact if I have any issues during my tenancy?

If you have any issues during your tenancy, you should contact your landlord or managing agent as soon as possible to report them.

End of tenancy

What happens if I leave the property at the end of my tenancy?

Once you have vacated the property at the end of your tenancy, your landlord releases you or the 3rd party who provided the savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) from the deed of assignment signed at the start of the tenancy.

Do I get a discount, if I use the same savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) for a new tenancy agreement on a new property?

There are no early termination charges to DepositPass if your tenancy ends earlier than expected. However, if you need to leave before the end of your tenancy, your landlord or agent could charge an ‘early termination’ fee to cover any reasonable costs. For example, rent up to the end of your fixed tenancy period or costs to find a new tenant. It is important that you speak to your agent or landlord to discuss this with them directly.

I want to end my tenancy early, is there a charge to DepositPass for this?

What documentation should my landlord or managing agent provide me with at the end of my tenancy?

Once your tenancy has ended you should request a copy of the check-out report/inventory ASAP. If the check-out report is inaccurate, you should note these issues and submit them to your landlord or agent in writing so they can be added to the report.

If you and your landlord go into a dispute over damages or cleaning, the inventory will be the most significant piece of evidence. Knowing the standard of the property at the start of your tenancy helps to set clear expectations of the maintenance required of you. Inventories also help safeguard tenants against unfair charges when moving out of a property.

What can my landlord charge me for at the end of my tenancy?

At the end of your tenancy your landlord or agent can charge you if you have broken the terms of your tenancy agreement. Common reasons for deduction include:

Cleaning
Damage
Redecoration
Unpaid rent
Gardening

The landlord can only claim to restore any issues in the property to the position they would have been in had you met the terms of your tenancy agreement. The normal decline in the condition of the property and its contents (known as wear and tear) cannot be charged to the tenant and must be factored into the amount charged for repairs, redecoration or replacements.

What are the benefits of DepositPass?

Is DepositPass safe?

Yes. In cases where tenants haven’t paid landlords for proven charges, the assigned amount of the savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) can be drawn upon.

How much does DepositPass cost?

It is completely free for landlords.

Who pays for DepositPass?

DepositPass is paid for by your tenant, it is totally free for landlords.

How can I offer DepositPass to my tenants?

DepositPass can be offered to your renters by simply signing up online.

What type of property can I let with DepositPass?

Any property, from residential to commercial ones.

What tenancies are covered?

We cover a range of tenancies where a traditional cash deposit would be needed. These include:

Tenancy	Description	Covered?
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)	In England and Wales	Yes
Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)	In Scotland	Yes
Northern Irish Tenancies	Any tenancy subject to the Privacy Tenancy (Northern Ireland) Order 2006	Yes
House of Multiple Occupancies (HMO)	Properties where tenants live in the same house or building under separate tenancy agreements	Yes
Tenancies for Lodgers	Where you live with your landloard	Yes

What is covered by the DepositPass?

You are covered for financial loss or damage for which your tenants are liable under your Tenancy Agreement, up to the value of the number of weeks’ rent you have previously agreed upon with the tenant.

My tenant is going ahead with a DepositPass. Do I need to amend my tenancy agreement?

There are two ways that your tenancy agreement can be amended, by either adding the standard terms or a side letter can be used to accompany the agreement.

When does DepositPass expire?

DepositPass expires simultaneously with the tenancy end date. This can be extended at any time free of charge for you.

I have a DepositPass and my tenant is moving out. What do I do?

You release the tenant or 3rd party who provided the savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) from the deed of assignment signed at the start of the tenancy.

Are my tenants still liable for any financial loss or damage?

Your tenants remain liable for any financial loss or damage as set out in your tenancy agreement.

How do I make a claim?

How are claims resolved in case of a tenancy with DepositPass?

DepositPass ensures fairness and professionalism in handling disputes between renters and landlords through our partnership with MyDeposits. MyDeposits provides an independent and impartial dispute resolution service, with adjudicators who are experienced in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures. This means that disputes are handled efficiently and fairly, based on the issues in dispute and the evidence provided. As a customer, you can have complete confidence in the dispute resolution process, knowing that it is designed to protect your interests and provide a satisfactory outcome.

More information here

How quickly do I receive a payout if my claim is successful?

After you have given at least 5 business days’ grace in writing to the tenant and this period has expired without the tenant having made the payments due.

What does DepositPass mean for letting agents?

Working with DepositPass saves you time, attracts tenants, protects landlords and gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Properties where the no deposit option is offered, if previously agreed with the tenant, are more appealing to them, while landlords appreciate the extra financial protection. As a DepositPass partner agent you will also earn commission for every introduction that leads to a DepositPass purchase. Find out more about becoming a partner by visiting the agent page on our website.

What is covered by DepositPass?

DepositPass provides cover against financial loss or damage suffered by the landlord, including unpaid rent or damage to the property for which the tenant is liable under the tenancy agreement.

What's in it for my landlord if they agree to offer a deposit replacement scheme on their property?

By offering a DepositPass on their property, your landlord will benefit from increased demand for their properties, a wider range of tenants and void periods will be reduced. This could provide landlords with greater protection than a cash deposit.

How do I become a DepositPass approved partner agent?

If you would like to become a DepositPass partner agent, simply visit the Agent section of our website and click on “Get Started”, after which you will be asked to submit a few details. Once you have sent in your partnership enquiry, we will be in touch as soon as possible with more information about joining DepositPass.

What do I need to become a partner?

We keep our onboarding process as easy as possible. All we need is:

Details about who wants to partner with us
Your privacy notice
Someone who is our main point of contact
A secure business domain email address for our portal

We do background checks which you will need to agree to as part of our onboarding process.

What is an Introducer Agreement?

There are written rules about what an Introducer can and cannot do, but they are very simple and we can talk you through how this works in our training.

Who can use DepositPass?

Any tenant who owns an assignable (chargeable) savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) or can provide one from a 3rd party like mom and dad, spouse, relatives, friends or any other person.

What type of property can I rent with DepositPass?

Any property, from residential to commercial ones.

Does DepositPass work for properties outside the United Kingdom?

No.

Does DepositPass work for landlords who do not live in the UK?

Yes

What tenancies can I use DepositPass on?

We cover a range of tenancies where a traditional cash deposit would be needed. These include:

Tenancy	Description	Covered?
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)	In England and Wales	Yes
Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)	In Scotland	Yes
Northern Irish Tenancies	Any tenancy subject to the Privacy Tenancy (Northern Ireland) Order 2006	Yes
House of Multiple Occupancies (HMO)	Properties where tenants live in the same house or building under separate tenancy agreements	Yes
Tenancies for Lodgers	Where you live with your landloard	Yes

Is DepositPass safe?

Yes! In cases where tenants haven’t paid landlords for proven charges, the assigned amount of the savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) can be drawn upon by the landlord.

Can I make DepositPass the only option on tenancies?

Tenants have to be offered the choice of either a cash deposit or a DepositPass; however, many of our agents agree with their landlords that our cashless solution is very appealing to tenants.

How much does DepositPass cost?

It is completely free for agents.

Who pays for DepositPass?

DepositPass is paid for by your tenant, it is totally free for landlords and agents.

How much money can I earn for introducing renters to DepositPass?

Our Partner Agents earn a commission for every introduction that leads to a DepositPass purchase according to this table.

Amount of renter’s deposit	Letting Agent Commission
£0 to £500	£50
> £500 to £1,000	£60
> £1,000 to £2,000	£70
> £2,000 to £4,000	£80
> £4,000 to £7,000	£90
> £7,000 to £10,000	£100

How much does it cost to cancel a DepositPass?

It costs nothing to cancel a DepositPass as no cancellation fee is applicable.

How to insert our terms into your tenancy agreements?

There are two ways that our terms can be added into your tenancy agreement, by either adding the standard terms or a side letter can be used to accompany the agreement.

Training - how do I book training?

If you wish to book training with us, please contact us on info@depositpass.com

What happens when a tenant is moving out?

As with any other tenancy, when a tenant moves out you need to go through the process of getting an independent check-out inventory and discussing any outstanding issues with both landlord and tenants. You also need to let us know that the tenancy has ended. Once the renter has vacated the property at the end of the tenancy, the landlord releases him/her or the 3rd party who provided the savings account or life insurance savings plan (policy) from the deed of assignment signed at the start of the tenancy.

Essential Checklist for Renting in the UK

Ensure you’re fully prepared for the renting process in the UK with this comprehensive checklist from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. Don’t overlook any crucial steps when renting your next home!

If you have any questions that were not answered, feel free to reach out to our specialised team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Start of tenancy

During tenancy

End of tenancy

Essential Checklist for Renting in the UK

If you have any questions that were not answered, feel free to reach out to our specialised team.

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