What is Tenancy Deposit Protection?

All new tenancy deposits must be protected in a government authorised scheme.  This new rule applies if the tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy.

The Government wants to make sure tenants’ deposits are protected so that:

• Tenants get all or part of their deposit back, when they are entitled to it
• Any disputes between tenants and landlords or agents will be easier to resolve
• Tenants are encouraged to look after the property they are renting.

Scheme Providers

There are three government-authorised tenancy deposit schemes offering tenancy deposit protection.  Landlord and agents should find out about these schemes and their legal obligations before taking a tenancy deposit.

There is one custodial scheme

The Deposit Protection Service

http://www.depositprotection.com/

Telephone: 0870 707 1 707

And two insurance-based schemes:

Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd
http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/ 

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The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
http://www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/

Telephone: 0845 226 7837

Ask your landlord which scheme is protecting your deposit.

For advice visit: www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit or telephone the leaflet line on 0845 609 0696

Alternatively contact the following organisations:

Shelter
FREE* housing advice helpline
0808 800 4444
(open 8am to midnight 7 days a week)
www.shelter.org.uk/advice
*some mobile phone numbers may charge for calls to this number

National Union of Students
www.nusonline.co.uk/info/housing
Visit your student advice centre or students’ union for more information

Citizen Advice
Listed in the phone book and http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

Association of Residential Letting Agents
http://www.arla.co.uk/

National Association of Estate Agents
http://www.naea.org.uk/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
http://www.rics.org.uk/

National Federation of Residential Landlords
http://www.nfrl.co.uk/
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National Landlords Association
http://www.landlords.org.uk/

Residential Landlords Association
http://www.rla.org.uk/