Tenancy Deposit Scheme for Landlords
Members of the NRLA are entitled to a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) discount, enabling landlords to save money on protecting and returning their tenants' deposits.
Join the NRLA today to benefit from lower rates on TDS Insured deposits, protecting deposits of £499 and under for just £13.20 and £500 and over for £17.95.
What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) is a not-for-profit, government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme in the UK. They provide an industry-leading service for landlords that takes the fuss out of protecting and returning deposits at the end of a tenancy.
By law, all landlords who choose to take a deposit from their tenant on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) in England and Wales must comply with tenancy deposit protection legislation. This means protecting the tenant's deposit with a government-approved scheme within 30 calendar days of receiving it from the tenant and providing the tenant with the prescribed information within the same 30-day window. Deposit protection schemes are beneficial to both the tenant and the landlord, making it easier to settle any disputes regarding deposits when it comes to ending a tenancy.
By using TDS to protect tenants' deposits, landlords can rest assured that they're complying with deposit protection legislation - and if you're an NRLA member, you'll also benefit from the lowest possible insurance rates if you choose to hold the deposits yourself.
How much can you save with TDS as an NRLA member?
TDS offer the lowest rates for NRLA members:
|
TDS Insured You hold the deposit |
TDS Custodial TDS holds the deposit |
|
|---|---|---|
| Deposit £499.99 and under |
£13.20 (save £5.30 per deposit) |
FREE |
| Deposit £500 and over |
£17.95 (save £7.55 per deposit) |
FREE |
What's the difference between TDS Insured and TDS Custodial?
There are two different TDS schemes you can choose between: Insured and Custodial.
| TDS Insured | TDS Custodial | |
| Benefits |
|
|
| Costs | Protect deposits of £499 and under for just £13.20 and £500 and over for £17.95. | The Custodial scheme is completely FREE to use. |
Why trust TDS with your tenancy deposits?
- TDS is the longest-serving government-approved deposit scheme and protects more deposits (in value) than any other scheme.
- It's easy to manage your deposits online, and you can choose whether to hold the deposit yourself (Insured scheme) or have TDS hold it for you (Custodial scheme).
- Enjoy the lowest possible rates as an NRLA member, as well as other bespoke offers and discounts through Landlord+.
- Benefit from TDS' fantastic customer service, which includes fast responses to calls and emails and free and fair dispute resolution.
Don't just take our word for it
I’ve used the TDS for all my tenancies since protecting deposits with an independent organisation became law. After researching the schemes available, I decided to use the TDS for all my tenancies and have been very happy with the service and professionalism.
As well as the peace of mind of having such a professional organisation to act as an intermediary in an end of tenancy dispute, the TDS website provides a wealth of information, case studies and legal precedents to help guide landlords. Keep up the good work.
How are deposits handled and returned at the end of a tenancy?
When a tenancy ends, the landlord or letting agent will typically carry out a property inspection to check whether the tenant has left the property in good condition. Based on this inspection, they might propose deductions from the deposit to pay for any repairs or cleaning fees that have been deemed necessary.
If both parties agree on the amount that is to be returned, including any deductions, the agreed amount is returned to the tenant via the TDS system.
If there is any disagreement about the deductions (e.g. the tenant disagrees with the amount being withheld for repairs or cleaning), either party can raise a dispute with TDS. The scheme provides a free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, which is handled by an independent adjudicator who reviews evidence from both sides and then makes a decision on how much money should be returned to the tenant. The decision of the adjudicator is final, and the deposit must be distributed accordingly.
Join the NRLA and claim your TDS landlord discount
Become a member of the NRLA to save up to £7.55 per deposit when you use TDS to protect your tenants’ deposits.
As well as saving money on deposit protection schemes, you’ll also benefit from a wide range of other exclusive landlord discounts, including money off key services, furnishings, and more.
TDS End of Year Winter Maintenance
TDS Landlord's Guide to Repairs in Rental Properties
TDS Tenancy Deposit Protection Guide for Student Accommodation and HMOs
TDS Guide to Property Inventories
TDS Spring Cleaning Guide
TDS Energy Efficiency Guide for Rented Homes
TDS Autumn Maintenance for Landlords
TDS Guide to Pets in Rented Properties
TDS Guide to Student Lets
TDS guide to product lifespans
TDS Spring guide to garden maintenance for landlords
Articles
Saving energy and reducing disputes for landlords
As energy efficiency remains an increasingly pressing issue in the private rented sector, landlords face the challenge of managing further energy cost increases, while ensuring compliance with EPC regulations. At the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, we’ve seen how energy-related disputes can arise, particularly when tenants feel bills are excessive or properties are poorly insulated. Here, we offer practical energy-saving tips for landlords and guidance on how to avoid disputes linked to energy use.
TDS tricks and treats to help tackle spider infestations in rented homes
Spiders are most commonly seen in homes in the UK during the autumn months of September and October, and while spiders can often be harmless, their presence in large numbers can lead to concerns about cleanliness and comfort. Here, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme addresses the responsibility for dealing with spider infestations in rented homes and provides tips on handling it to avoid disputes and maintain a smooth tenancy.
Five actions to take when a tenant reports a problem at the rental property
As a landlord, getting a report of a problem from your tenant can be worrying, and you'll probably want to fix it right away. Here, Sandy Bastin, Head of Adjudication Services at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, looks at what to do when your tenant reports a problem and how fast it needs to be dealt with; examples of common problems and, how to handle them; and advice on handling repair deposit disputes.
What to do if a tenant leaves belongings behind, can you make a claim from the deposit?
When a tenant moves out, landlords expect the property to be empty and ready for the next occupants. However, occasionally tenants may leave behind belongings. Here, NRLA partner, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will look at how to handle this situation, whether you can claim from the tenancy deposit, and steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
Avoiding garden maintenance disputes in rental properties
Gardening is one of the top 5 reasons for deposit deductions claimed by landlords using the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for their deposit protection. Therefore, landlords need to take steps to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy. Here, The Tenancy Deposit Scheme examines the responsibility for maintaining the outside space, what falls on the tenants or the landlords, and tips to help avoid deposit disputes.
