Company details

Web: www.tenancydepositscheme.com

Telephone number: 0300 037 1000

Email:info@tenancydepositscheme.com

Checklists: Tenancy deposit checklist for tenants

and Landlord tenancy deposit protection

What do they do?

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) is a government approved, not-for-profit organisation that provides both Insured and Custodial Tenancy Deposit Protection. TDS protects over 1.3 million deposits across England and Wales and offers a free alternative dispute resolution service to help resolve disputes that may arise between landlords, agents and tenants; via a professional, impartial adjudicator. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service to all our clients and have won independent recognition in this area with a range of awards.

From the beginning...

TDS was established in 2003 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA now ARLA | Propertymark) to operate a voluntary tenancy deposit scheme for landlords and letting agents across the UK and provide alternative dispute resolution services to solve disputes in relation to tenancy deposits. As a result of The Housing Act of 2004, legislation came into force in 2007 requiring all new tenancy deposits taken on Assured Shorthold Tenancies be protected in a Government-authorised scheme - TDS was approved to run such a scheme.

How much does it cost?

Both of the schemes run by TDS are free for landlords to join. The TDS Custodial Scheme is an entirely free scheme where the deposit must be sent to TDS who retain the money for the duration of the tenancy. The TDS Insured Scheme allows landlords to hold the deposit in a UK bank account, whilst being protected by TDS; there is a small fee of either £17.50 for deposits under £500 or £24.00 for deposits over £500 for this deposit protection. Members of the RLA (Residential Landlords Association) have access to discounted rates in the Insured Scheme - £13.20 for deposits under £500 or £17.95 for deposits over £500.

Awards and Accreditations

• ESTAS 2016 to 2019: Best in sector - Shortlisted
• CIR Business Continuity Awards: Most Effective Recovery – Winner
• Customer Service Excellence Award 2012 to 2018

• Negotiator Awards 2014 to 2018: Supplier of the Year - Professional Support - Shortlisted

• National Landlord Investment Show Awards 2017 to 2018: Best Property Education Provider - Shortlisted

• Best Not-For-Profit Companies to Work for in 2019: Ranked 63rd

• Best Not-For-Profit Companies to Work for in 2017: Ranked 83rd
• Property Management Awards 2018: Shortlisted

• Investor in People

• BSi Certification: Complaints Management System ISO 10002 

• Landlord and Letting Awards 2014: Public Service/Not for Profit - Finalist

• Landlord and Letting Awards 2014: Customer Service - Finalist

• PropertyDrum Awards 2012: Tenancy Deposit Services - Winner

• Landlord and Letting Awards 2012: Customer Service Highly - Commended

Top three tips

1. Ensure your deposit is properly protected; check if your deposit is protected in TDS Insured here, or in TDS Custodial here.
2. Make sure a thorough inventory is completed and is checked and signed by the tenant if agreed.
3. Ensure all agreements are also documented in writing to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy and to use as evidence if required.