Well, the agent didn't protect my deposit. It signed a contract stating it would protect my money under the DPS. It has not done so. This is a clear breach of contract.

yes I have the landlords adress. its funny because prior to this we contacted him/her and they told us that they didn't want to contacted directly and only through the agent. We've had hell both with the land lord and the agent this year. So the next step is to get the landlord to protect my deposit under DPS? If this happens then I should pay them the full rent? Or should I request a reduction in the rent since I will no longer have an agent to handle my affairs and because technically the contract has been breached.

So the landlord can be held responsible for not putting my money in the Deposit Protection Scheme? Does this mean they are liable to pay me a 3x rent? It remains unclear to me where my deposit is.

Dear all, Unfortunately my estate agent who lets out the property I live in has gone into Liquidation. I am a student, and started letting the property form July last year, for 1 year. So the contract I signed with the estate agent for the property will terminate in July 2012. I have a written contract. The estate agents have my damage deposit which was £675 (one and a half months rent) I have found out today that they have not put it into protection by the Deposit Protection Scheme. I will cease to pay the remaining rent. Where does this leave me? What are my options? Do I still have to pay the rent to the landlord? Isn't it illegal what the estate agents have done? How can I get my damage deposit back? Could someone please help me out? Thanks