Tenancy deposit scheme

Where tenancies come to an end there is usually no disagreement about the return of the deposit. However, sometimes there is, which can cause hardship, delay and inconvenience to all parties concerned.

The Housing Act 2004 (Chapter 4, sections 212-5; & Schedule 10) made provisions for both the protection of tenancy deposits and the resolution of disputes over their return.

The legislation came into effect on 6 April 2007. All deposits taken for Assured Shorthold Tenancies after that date must be covered by a tenancy deposit protection scheme.

Deposits taken before 6 April 2007 do not need to be protected by a scheme. However if an existing tenancy is renewed and a Landlord agrees a new fixed-term tenancy, the initial deposit taken must then be lodged with a tenancy deposit protection scheme.

The three Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes are:

The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS)

The DPS is open to all Landlords and Letting Agents and is the only scheme that is free to use.
Tel: 0844 4727 000
Email: enquiries@depositprotection.com
Web: www.depositprotection.com

The Dispute Service (TDS)

The Dispute Service is an independent, not-for-profit company established in 2003. We have chosen to join this scheme. Where JTM HOMES hold the deposit, for Assured Shorthold Tenancies agreed or renewed after the 6th April 2007, the deposit will be protected by this scheme.
Tel: 0845 226 7837
Email: deposits@tds.gb.com
Web: www.thedisputeservice.co.uk

Tenancy Deposit Solutions

In November 2006, the UK Government appointed Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd to operate an insurance-based tenancy deposit protection scheme.

Tel: 0844 980 0290
Email: customerservices@mydeposits.co.uk
Web: www.mydeposits.co.uk