How deposit protection works

When you pay your deposit through ShieldDeposit, the money goes into a separate escrow account — not your landlord's pocket. This is called the custodial model: we hold the money, but neither side owns it while the tenancy is running.

You get a Deposit Protection Certificate with a number you can verify online. Anyone can check it. That's your written proof the money is safe.

Why this matters

Without protection, your deposit becomes a private bargain at move-out. With protection, both sides know there are rules, both sides can see the money, and both sides know how a disagreement gets settled.

What happens at move-out

If you and your landlord agree, the money is in your bank within ten working days. If you don't agree, we walk through it deduction by deduction with evidence, and an independent person decides. Your money stays in escrow the whole time.

Who pays for it

Your landlord covers a small one-off fee per protected deposit. There's no fee for the tenant. See pricing for the current figure.