TENANTS should check that their deposit is protected by their landlord.

The message was issued by Burnley and Pendle based Petty’s Lettings after figures revealed that up to a million private sector tenants with combined deposits worth up to £1billion are missing out on deposit protection.

Petty’s, locally renowned residential sales and lettings agents, said the number of tenancies affected is likely to grow rapidly as the rental market soars.

It became law in April 2007 that landlords will have to participate in either a ‘custodial’ or ‘insured’ Tenancy Deposit Scheme and provide tenants with the relevant contact details.

These schemes were enforced to protect the tenant’s deposit and ensure that it is returned to the tenant at the end of the rental agreement except when the landlord has a legitimate claim on it.