New research has revealed shocking differences in deposit protection law compliance by landlords and letting agents across in the UK.

Private rental sector ratings website Marks out of Tenancy’s study of 2,300 reviews by tenants on its site found compliance with rental deposit regulations ranging from 42% in the NW of England and 89% in Nottingham.

Using data over an eight year period, it suggests that despite the risks of not lodging a deposit with a government-approved scheme, many agents and landlords continue to flout the law through.

Tenancies that feature deposits that have not been protected are much harder to end via a Section 21 or Section 8 notice, while tenants can claims up to three times their original deposit via the courts if they discover theirs has not been protected.

Purplebricks famously fell foul of these rules during 2021 when thousands of deposits were not properly lodged with an approved scheme due to a technical hitch, and it admitted the fines might cost the firm up to £9 million.

This latest research is part of an overall sector survey by Marks out of Tenancy, which found that tenant satisfaction with landlords and agents varied significantly in some cities.

For example, in Bath scores out of five ranged from 1.86 to 4.57.

“This research shines a light on the very real disparities renters face depending on where they live,” says Ben Yarrow from Marks Out Of Tenancy (main image).

“Some areas are clearly getting it right, but too many tenants are still left vulnerable—whether through poor property standards or lack of deposit protection. By giving renters a voice and policymakers the data they need, we can push for fairer, safer, and more consistent standards across the whole private rental sector.”