http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk The Dispute Service is an independent, not-for-profit company established in 2003 to resolve complaints and disputes arising in the private rented sector. en-us http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=97 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=97 Heavy fines or a long jail term for the boss of fraudulent Oxford letting agent Charles Lawson have been welcomed by the head of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme as sending the right message to rogue agents in the Private Rented Sector. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=96 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=96 Three new dates have been annouced for the Judge for Yourself Adjudication Workshop. The workshop, launched last month, has been extremely popular and an extended programme has been organsied to accommodate demand. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=95 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=95 A new tenancy deposit protection scheme for private sector landlords has been launched today by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, in association with the Residential Landlords Association, RLA. Until now, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which already protects 1 Billion worth of deposits, the largest number of tenancy deposits protected by any deposit protection scheme, has been available primarily to regulated letting agents. Following extensive consultation with the Residential Landlords Association, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will now provide landlords with much greater choice in the market. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=92 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=92 Three new dates have been announced for the Judge for Yourself Adjudication Workshop. The workshop, launched last month, has been extremely popular and an extended programme has been organised to accommodate demand. To book your place please complete this form and return to member.relations@tds.gb.com , fax to 01442 253193, or post to:TDS Member Relations, PO Box 1255, Hemel Hemptead HP1 9GN http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=90 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=90 The new Localism Act 2011 has ended a year of uncertainty about deposit protection law in the private rented sector. The changes, which are expected to come into effect at some time next year, have been welcomed by the Tenancty Deposit Scheme as both clear and fair. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=88 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=88 To cope with demand for our first three adjudication workshops, you can now register for an extra date on 6th December in Waterloo, London. Following the popularity of the workshop, we are currently compiling a schedule for more sessions in the new year. To keep up to date with the upcoming training programme, please email member.relations@tds.gb.com to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter @tenancydeposits http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=86 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=86 The Dispute Service, the not-for-profit company responsible for operating the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, has announced its recovery from the previous year’s losses. The improved financial performance has come through remedial changes to the subscription model, which has included a discounting mechanism of up to 60% for members with a lower level of disputes. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=85 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=85 The not for profit Tenancy Deposit Scheme is developing stronger links with the social housing sector and encouraging Housing Associations to join the scheme through a membership tailored to their needs. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=84 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=84 A powerful consortium of Scottish landlord and tenant organisations has announced a bid to run a tenancy deposit protection scheme in Scotland through a new not-for-profit company, SafeDeposits Scotland Ltd. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=83 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=83 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has warned all landlords and letting agents in Wales that most tenancies with an annual rental value of up to 100,000 will be required to be registered for Tenancy Deposit Protection from the beginning of next month. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=82 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=82 Following the huge success of our Meet TDS events, we are now giving you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the dispute resolution process on the 'Judge for Yourself' Adjudication Workshop... The Judge for Yourself Adjudication Workshop is an excellent chance to meet our adjudicators, gain an insight into our methods and how we reach the decisions we do. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=81 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=81 When renting in the private sector, prepare for the end of a tenancy at the earliest opportunity. This was the message the Tenancy Deposit Scheme took to the student delegates at the NUS Welfare Zone Conference at the Liverpool Adelphi this week... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=80 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=80 The lenient sentences handed down last week to the owner of a fraudulent Worcester based letting agency and his accountant has been described as a “kick in the teeth” for tenants and professional letting agents in the private rented sector. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=79 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=79 From smashed antique vases to missing washing machines, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, has heard it all and this month has published some of the stories behind deposit disputes in a new set of case studies. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=78 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=78 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has appointed a new Director of Resources. Nick Hankey has joined the organisation this month and will be in charge of both Finance and IT... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=77 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=77 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has warned students going into accommodation in the private rented sector this autumn not to let the euphoria of a new university year turn to tears... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=76 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=76 Although Housing Minister Grant Shapps has ruled out compulsory Clients’ Money Protection for letting agents in the foreseeable future, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, today welcomed government support for its members... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=74 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=74 Reports of a rise in bad landlords along with soaring rental demand and the return of buy to let investors have all led to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to remind tenants to be careful and protect themselves. Asking for evidence of tenancy deposit protection is a first line of defence against rogue landlords and cowboy agents... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=73 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=73 The second tranche of this year’s subscription invoices for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme hit members’ desks this month and includes a major change. In response to members’ requests, subscriptions can be settled on a monthly basis, as well as quarterly or annually.... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=72 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=72 An overwhelming number of tenants in dispute with their landlords over the return of deposits found it easy to submit evidence for adjudication by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=71 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=71 We have updated our Tenancy Deposit Protection Certificate design to reflect changes requested by our customers... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=69 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=69 The Scheme has won five accreditations from the Plain Language Commission for  important documents that are available through the website and on request... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=68 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=68 Capitalising on the initial success of the “Meet the TDS” events in London and Newcastle... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=66 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=66 A new 'Guide to Tenancy Deposit, Disputes and Damages' has been jointly published by all three government authorised tenancy deposit protection schemes today... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=63 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=63 Up to a million private sector tenants with combined deposits… http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=62 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=62 Alison MacDougal has been appointed Deputy Head of Adjudication… http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=61 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=61 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme goes into a new financial year... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=60 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=60 The invaluable results of the first major consultation through the TDS Members Forum... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=58 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=58 Subscriptions to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and the cost of registering each tenancy are both to fall from April... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=59 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=59 Despite one in six households now renting, there has been a market failure to educate the consumer... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=55 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=55 London letting agents filled all the places at the first Meet the TDS event. Held in central London last week (Feb 17), it was oversubscribed three times over. The half day event was the first in a series planned to be held around the country and aimed at updating members on the changes taking place within the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and to provide a working insight into the independent adjudication process. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=54 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=54 The radical overhaul of its subscription model has returned the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to financial health following losses incurred during the last financial year. This is reported in the TDS Review and Annual Accounts for 2009-10 published today. The Scheme is now forecasting a surplus for 2010-11 and there will be no increase in members’ subscriptions for the financial year beginning April 2011. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=53 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=53 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has appointed Ben Beadle to the new post of Head of Member Relations. In this new and senior position he will be responsible for understanding and implementing ways to help the membership use the Scheme efficiently and cost effectively. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=52 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=52 The partnership between Unipol, the national charity that works to improve training, standards and professionalism in student housing, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, is to continue for a second year. This follows a successful launch last Christmas and acceptance by Unipol landlords of this bespoke student deposit protection scheme operating in Leeds, Bradford and Nottingham. It is believed that this protective link should become a role model for all corporate landlords throughout the country. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=51 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=51 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has announced the Board appointments of disputes and compliance expert Jodi Berg and Chief Executive Steve Harriott. This has been welcomed as providing additional specialist support for the Scheme going forward. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=50 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=50 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has announced the details of its new TDS Members Forum. Its role will include giving feedback to TDS about day-to-day use, identifying potential for improvement and helping to find practical methods of strengthening communication with members. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=49 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=49 Mike Morgan has been appointed Head of Adjudication for The Tenancy Deposit Scheme. He takes up this position immediately, having carried out the role on an interim basis since June. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=47 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=47 Two Japanese University professors have been half way round the world to learn how specialist services help the UK property market. One of the first calls for Professor Hiroko Saito and Professor Yasuhiko Nakajima was at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to learn about the safety of deposits and Alternative Dispute Resolution. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=46 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=46 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, is on a firm financial footing and will continue to offer the most cost-efficient deposit protection for agents and their landlords. This was the message brought to the ARLA Advisory Forum today. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=45 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=45 D-Day for the rise in the threshold to 100,000 for Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England is less than a month away. To assist with the change, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme has issued detailed guidance notes for registration... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=44 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=44 Steve Harriott has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Dispute Service, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=36 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=36 Many existing private sector tenancies with rental values of up to 100,000 a year will become Assured Shorthold Tenancies, ASTs, as from 1 October 2010. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=28 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=28 The wide ranging review carried out by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme since the beginning of the year has led to improved methods for resolving tenancy deposit disputes. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=27 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=27 Letting agents who are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme have been reminded to check their tenancies registered with the Scheme before June 27. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=26 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=26 The Board of The Dispute Service has ratified changes to the management and governance of The Tenancy Deposit Scheme first announced in April. The Dispute Service is the not-for-profit company that runs the Scheme. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=25 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=25 A former Law Commissioner, Professor Partington has taken over from John Hornsey. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=24 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=24 Invoices being issued from this week to lettings agents who are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will show the effect of the new charging system first announced last autumn. Following a detailed analysis of the usage of the Scheme and its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services, significant discounting has been possible. 85% of all letting agents who are members of the TDS will be charged the lowest rates that are available through insured deposit protection schemes. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=23 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=23 The Board of the Dispute Service has approved a change in the method of charging subscriptions for The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) next year. Subscriptions will be determined on a fairer basis to take account of the dramatic rise in disputes being sent for resolution by members of the Scheme. The new system was announced today. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=21 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=21 2008-09, the second year of operation since mandatory deposit protection was introduced into the private rented sector, was successful for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=20 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=20 The newly appointed Outreach Manager to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, Helen McCarthy, has been warmly welcomed by member firms. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=19 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=19 At the approach of the second anniversary of mandatory tenancy deposit protection next week (on Monday April 6), the Tenancy Deposit Scheme reports that it is protecting over 800 million pounds in tenants deposits, an increase of a quarter of a billion pounds in less than 12 months. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=18 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=18 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has appointed an Outreach Manager as part of a continuous programme to educate, inform, facilitate and to gather feedback from member letting agents. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=17 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=17 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has published a series of case studies, selected at random, into disputes between landlords and tenants over deposit monies due. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=16 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=16 The recent Crown Court judgement in the case of Harvey v Bamforth revealed an anomaly in the Housing Act 2004. TDS has changed its rules slightly to clarify the formal requirements of the Scheme http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=35 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=35 The Dispute Service has re-cast its governance structure. The organisation now has a small Board of Directors responsible for the management and operation of The Dispute Service and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=15 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=15 At the insistence of their insurers, The Tenancy Deposit Scheme will only provide deposit protection and alternative dispute resolution to letting agents who are members of recognised professional bodies. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=14 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=14 The first year of operations for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme proved tough due to the very tight inaugural deadlines. However, it was successful and had nearly half a billion pounds in deposits covered and 2,000 disputes resolved. This is shown in the Annual Report of The Dispute Service published today, Tuesday 25 November. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=13 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=13 In view of the banking crisis, The Dispute Service Ltd, who runs the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, has issued a statement about the safety of tenants' deposits: http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=12 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=12 We continue to offer a dispute resolution service for all your tenancies. Whilst it is correct that the Housing Act 2004 prescribes only that deposits taken on ASTs must be protected by... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=11 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=11 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) has welcomed the fact that the first year of mandatory tenancy deposit protection has produced a lower than expected dispute rate... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=10 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=10 Update of TDS documentation: TDS forms can now be completed on screen and saved to your own computer and printed out... See documents and forms... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=9 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=9 Adjudications are made on the basis of the material sent to us. It is not for us to go looking for evidence... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=34 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=34 Half a Billion pounds in tenants' deposits has been safeguarded by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme in less than a year since deposit protection and Alternative Dispute Resolution became mandatory. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=8 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=8 We have noticed that there is a tendency for parties to a dispute to head correspondence "Without Prejudice"... http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=7 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=7 We have changed our postal address. It is now.. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=6 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=6 Following valuable feedback and suggestions from TDS members we have made significant changes to the website and its data input processes.. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=33 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=33 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme is showing considerable growth in the number of tenancies covered and amount of money that is now safeguarded. The scheme is one of the three government authorised deposit protection schemes. Its core membership is among lettings agents and corporate landlords. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=29 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=29 Figures published today in an autumn News Bulletin circulated to all members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, TDS, give the first rounded picture of the scale of the Scheme's success during the first six months http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=1 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=1 has all the facts about deposits covered, the numbers of landlords, tenancies and tenants in the Scheme, stemming the first flood and what everyone should know.. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=30 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=30 Landlords and tenants in the Private Rented Sector have become substantially more aware of Tenancy Deposit Protection during the summer months. Nearly two thirds of all landlords and approaching half of all tenants are now believed to understand the mandatory requirements to protect deposits and provide for dispute resolution. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=2 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=2 TDS L Progress of a dispute ( - 61 KB) has now been written to explain how we will deal with deposit disputes, and in particular what to take into account in deciding.. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=3 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=3 TDS has now been running successfully for several months. With valuable feedback from members and experience of how TDS has been working for them, we have.. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=4 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=4 Whilst we continue to receive a growing volume of deposit disputes, those stemming from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for Regulated Agents (TDSRA) are declining as the tenancies it covered are coming to an end http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=31 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=31 The results of the first major survey into the take-up and attitudes to mandatory Tenancy Deposit Protection since its implementation were announced today (May 29) by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=89 http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/index.php?p=10_1&id=89 To cope with demand for our first three adjudication workshops, you can now register for an added date on 6th December in Waterloo, London. Following the popularity of the workshop, we are currently compiling a schedule for more sessions in the new year. To keep up to date with the upcoming training programme, please email member.relations@tds.gb.com to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter @tenancydeposits