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A HELPING
ISSUE 9 | SPRING 2021
HAND
10 THINGS MOULD
A HELPING HAND You need to know about A Growing Problem or Wear and Tear?
Tenancy Deposit Protection
PAGE 6 PAGE 8 PAGE 11
BOOK A DEMO
REGULAR FEATURES
WELCOME TO 4 THE DELAYED READ
Four months in review
LETTERBOX
A Helping Hand
6 THE LONG READ
A HELPING HAND
Time to recover and look forward with help from Tenancy Deposit
Scheme (TDS) and partners. 8 10 THINGS
You need to know about Tenancy Deposit
Protection
As we spring forward in 2021, there’s certainly a sense of renewed
10 T DS TRENDS
energy for building on the delays and challenges of last year. On
that theme, this issue of Letterbox highlights the many ways we are
playing our part in recovery of the PRS. Interesting facts and figures
11 THE SHORT READ
We know that rent arrears continue to cause problems for landlords
and letting agents, and we discuss ways to resolve that quickly and
Mould: A growing problem or wear and tear?
amicably.
We also look at seasonal disputes like mould and how to avoid
disagreements and damage that arise from it. 12 A SK AN ADJUDICATOR
Our adjudicator answers your questions about
deposit disputes
In the Long Read, we look at the
13 INTRODUCING...
emerging technology, tools and
educational resources that have
been designed to make life easier hris Hillier – Head of Innovation at the
C
for those working in our industry. Dispute Service
We hope you enjoy this spring
edition and find it useful. From all
of us at TDS, thank you for your
14 BREAKING NEWS
TDS Resolution teams up with NRLA to tackle
a wider range of landlord and tenant disputes
continued efforts. We wish you the
15 WHAT'S ON?
very best for 2021.
Events, workshops and other resources
Steve Harriott,
Group Chief Executive
Win your wish list!
WIN A Home accessories are the best way to
£50
brighten your home for spring – especially
if you rent. From colourful cushions and
fresh flowers to crisp new bedding, those
little touches can really make a house a
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wish list for a chance to win £50 towards
B&Q your dream accessories from B&Q.
VOUCHER Tag us on Facebook @tenancydeposits
by 1
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LETTERBOX | SPRING 2021
3
The delayed read
TDS NEWS
4 MONTHS IN REVIEW
API INTEGRATION COMPLYLEX – THE THE TDS APP FOR
REDUCES WORKLOAD ONLINE PROPERTY TENANTS
FOR LETTING AGENTS LAW TOOL The recently launched TDS Tenant app is
We’ve always been committed to making Complylex is an online compliance-based helping tenants (and landlords by default)
life easier for letting agents and landlords platform for landlords, estate and letting to manage their deposits, giving them a
by utilising the latest technology. After agents. The Dispute Service are now platform to interact with TDS and make
listening to our customers’ needs, our working in partnership with them to help repayment requests when they move out.
in-house technology team developed the property professionals navigate complex Tenants can also activate and validate
TDS API to speed up the tenancy deposit industry legislation. their deposit account at the start of the
protection process and save agents’ time. tenancy.
Property law can be confusing, even for
The API reduces workload for letting property professionals, so the Complylex The app clearly shows tenants in detail
agents by automatically transferring CRM platform has been designed to provide what possible deductions the landlord
data to their tenancy deposit protection in-depth, easily accessible information on has made from the deposit, meaning the
scheme. It essentially eliminates the current legislation in a way that is easy to tenant will be able to raise these issues
possibility of human errors whilst understand. In addition, notifications can with the landlord if needed. Consequently,
slashing time taken on admin, replacing a be set up to ensure whenever a relevant landlords are seeing an easier and more
previously mundane and manual task. legislative or regulatory change is made, streamlined end-of-tenancy process,
you will be updated instantly via email. which leads to faster repayments and
Some of the most popular lettings CRM
time savings for all.
providers have already integrated with Think of it as the “highway code” for
TDS and we’re encouraging you to ask property law. You may not use it every It also makes it easy for tenants to find
your CRM software providers to do the day, but if you are curious about what to relevant advice and easy-to-understand
same. Integration is quick and simple and do if a tenant passes away, for example, guides on deposit disputes and their
comes with a host of benefits for your information is at your fingertips. legal rights and responsibilities, which
provider as well as you. Visit TDS API to The information is concise and links can help to reduce disputes and maintain
find out more. are offered to direct you to further compliance.
information if you need it. Find out more The mobile app is free to download from
at: Complylex. the App Store and Google Play.
Michael Hill,
Assistant Head of Innovation
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER 2021
2020
4
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER2021
2020
5
The Long Read
A HELPING HAND
POLLS, SURVEYS AND Over the past year, we’ve ramped
CONVERSATIONS up our technological solutions
even further to help with lockdown
We always start by listening to challenges. Here are a couple
landlords, letting agents, tenants of our latest developments:
and the PRS as a whole. Only by
understanding the issues and TDS API
challenges you face, can we look
We listened to our customers and
into the solutions. We don’t do that
analysed the time landlords and
alone, either. We speak to other
agents spend inputting deposit
leading organisations in the industry
data. As a result, we saw an
and collaborate with partners to
opportunity to streamline what was
create new tools, deliver educational
a time-consuming, manual process.
events and produce helpful guides.
Consequently, our technology team
We believe in asking for feedback developed the first automated API
and insight, rather than making for transferring the deposit data
assumptions on what the industry in your CRM to TDS. Not only does
needs. If you’ve ever seen one it save time, it also eliminates
of our polls or surveys, they are duplication and human error. It’s a
It’s part of the culture at TDS to
designed to do exactly that. smart solution available to any CRM
continuously look for ways to give
system and will help to make the
extra help to our customers.
From how you feel about the tenancy deposit process even easier.
As the only not-for-profit tenancy tenancy deposit process and
deposit legislation to your TDS Tenant App
deposit protection scheme, we
reinvest surplus profits into experiences with pets in properties,
We recently launched a new app to
improving the service we give our student renting, disputes and
help tenants manage their deposit
customers. Over the past year, rent arrears, your responses help
directly from their smartphone.
our industry has needed more us to provide extra support in
support than ever before and the areas you need it most. The mobile app, which is free to
we’ve never been more focused on download, allows tenants to view the
finding new ways to give a helping deposit in their account, see dispute
hand where it’s really needed. TECHNOLOGICAL deductions, make and respond to
repayment requests at the end of
If you’ve ever wondered where TOOLS AND APPS
the tenancy and submit their bank
that reinvestment goes and details. If they are a joint tenant
Technology plays a big part in
how we go about it, here’s a and move out while other tenants
how we solve your problems.
peek behind the scenes into remain, they can also sort out their
We’ve always been committed to
what we’ve been working on share of the deposit via the app once
developing solutions that help you to
this year so far – and why. their landlord/agent releases it.
navigate legislation and streamline
the tenancy deposit process. Our
This brings benefits for landlords
instant online Depositcap calculator
and letting agents, as well as
and pre-populated prescribed
tenants, as this leads to faster
information forms are good
repayments and time savings for all.
examples of how we’ve previously
created straightforward solutions
to help make life that little bit
Steve Harriott, easier for landlords and agents.
Group Chief Executive
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER 2021
2020
6
PARTNERS AND In the previous edition of Letterbox, We have also added to our CPD
COLLABORATIONS you may remember reading workshops, in May 2021, with an
about The Depositary, which was accredited collection of courses
We’ve also been working closely launched in partnership with from TDS and Inventory Hive. These
with industry partners and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. sessions will teach you all about
external software developers to tenancy deposits, adjudication
create tools with an even wider The Depositary platform has and inventories and come with
remit for helping the PRS. been designed to ‘automate and CPD points and accreditation.
streamline the end of tenancy
For example, you may have also process from the moment notice Continuing the theme of property
seen (and hopefully used) the has been served/received to the legislation, we’re also working
Inventory Hive platform, which has point of refund (and dispute if alongside PainSmith Solicitors who
been designed to create a fair and applicable)’, reducing hours in admin. contributed to the content on the
efficient way of agreeing compliance, Complylex app. PainSmith will be
condition and cleanliness. From When the Depositary conducted running seminars with TDS during
check-in inventories to check-out a survey amongst letting agents, 2021 on the latest legislation
reports and COVID-19 safe virtual they found that it takes around an and regulation in the PRS.
visits in-between, the paperless hour of work to submit a Dispute
workflows are covered without File on average – and this doesn’t You can register for any of the
the need for third-party electronic include often complex disputes that courses and webinars via the
signature software. We know that needed to be collated and uploaded, TDS website. Check out the
a high-quality inventory solution, which can take up to a day. When What’s On section at the back
fully shared with tenants Tenants you factor in the 4-6 hours of admin of Letterbox for dates.
have the opportunity to provide already spent in progressing that
feedback and add comments on tenancy from notice - you really
their reports as well as adding in see where an agent's resources
supporting photos. This can then be are being drained. The Depositary
audit trailed on the report. Engaging tackles that head on and is already
with tenants in this way at the proving to be an excellent tool for
start of the tenancy reduces the property management efficiency.
chance of the dispute at the end. We do recommend giving the
demo a go to see how useful it is.
We’ve also been working with
Complylex who provide the highway
code for property legislation in a
handy app. This online, compliance-
CPD WORKSHOPS AND
based platform has been designed ONLINE WEBINARS
to provide concise, accessible
2020 put face-to-face training
information on property law
on hold, but that didn’t stop us
presented in a way that is easy to
providing essential education to COMMITTED TO
understand. The tool was created
the PRS through online events. The HELPING THE PRS
by a team of property professionals
take-up proved to be so popular
who came together with a mission As we look forward, optimistically,
that we launched the online
to demystify legislation and give to a brighter year, our innovative
TDS Academy, where property
their fellow professionals a simple teams at TDS will continue to look
professionals can access their
and affordable way to comply with for ways to make your life easier
favourite workshops digitally.
the legal requirements governing during 2021 and as ever, we welcome
their sectors in England and Wales. your feedback and thoughts on
how we make that happen.
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER2021
2020
7
10 Things...
10 THING
YOU NEED TO KNOW
S
ABOUT TENANCY DEPOSIT
PROTECTION
For property professionals, especially new ones, there’s a lot to know
and keep abreast of. To help, Debbie Davies, Head of Sales and
Client Success at TDS, answers the most frequently asked questions
about tenancy deposit protection and highlights the essential points
everyone must know about the tenancy deposit process.
Debbie Davies,
Head of Sales and Client Success
LETTERBOX | SPRING 2021
8
1 6
When should a tenancy deposit be protected? Keep an auditable record of communications
Deposits on assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) must during tenancy
be protected with a government-approved scheme Communication often helps to avoid disputes.
within 30 days of receiving the deposit. It’s important If tenants make you aware of issues with the
to note that a holding deposit is not a tenancy deposit property during a tenancy (as they should), you
for the purposes of section 212 of the Housing Act should respond and act as soon as possible –
2004 and does not need to be protected. and you should keep a record of that action too.
2
Keeping tenant's contact details up to date is also
What if the deposit is paid by someone else on important as this will make communication far
the tenant’s behalf? easier helping you avoid unwanted disputes at the
The person paying the deposit on the tenant’s behalf end of a tenancy.
7
will be considered a 'relevant person'. This is a person,
company or organisation who, by arrangements Follow the correct end-of-tenancy process for
made with the tenant, paid the deposit on behalf of the scheme
the tenant, for example, a local authority, employer, In the TDS Insured scheme, we will send you an
parent or guarantor.
email reminder before the fixed term tenancy ends.
In TDS Insured, this relationship does not need to When the tenancy ends without a dispute you
be entered into the TDS tenancy database. In TDS must login to your TDS account and end protection
Custodial, this relationship does need to be entered of the deposit.
against the deposit protection.
In TDS Custodial, you should speak to the tenant
3
in the first instance about any deductions you
Serve your Prescribed information on time (and are seeking from the deposit and then enter a
not too early) repayment request through your online account.
8
The landlord or agent must issue prescribed
information to the tenant (and any ‘relevant person’) Do you have a dispute?
with the scheme leaflet within 30 days of receiving
We can only deal with a dispute if both tenant
the deposit.
and landlord agree they want us to and have tried
Since the time limit runs from when part or all of the to reach an agreement in the first instance. Most
deposit is deemed to have been received, serving people prefer to come to us because they feel it
prescribed information before this may not be will be quicker, cheaper and less stressful. Like
sufficient. Good practice is to maintain a record to the courts, we are impartial, authoritative and
show when the documents were served to comply our decision is binding. However, while we can
with the legislation and that they were clearly deal with proposed deductions from a deposit,
provided within the designated time. we cannot consider counterclaims or matters
4
unrelated to the deposit.
Conduct thorough inventory reports for evidence
9
If there is a dispute at the end of tenancy, an Understand the deposit dispute procedure
adjudicator will consider the evidence put forward by An adjudicator can only adjudicate based on the
both parties regarding the changing condition of the information they are provided with by the parties.
property. Without a comprehensive inventory check-in They will not contact the parties for follow-up
and detailed check-out report, it can be extremely information or supporting evidence. When an
difficult to demonstrate to an adjudicator what has adjudicator considers a case, they need to know
changed between the start and end of the tenancy to what the claim is about and how much is being
justify deductions from the deposit. claimed for. They find this information in the
These documents are also crucial in discussions Dispute Application and the Dispute Response that
between the agent/landlord and tenant at the end of the landlord and tenant send to TDS. It is worth
the tenancy. Good documentation is the best way to taking time to complete these properly so that the
avoid a dispute. adjudicator is not in any doubt over what the claim
5
is for.
Comply with the Tenant Fees Act
10
The Tenant Fees Act prohibits landlords and letting What evidence can you use in a dispute?
agents from charging certain fees and excessive In the case of a dispute, you must collate all the
deposits. It is therefore vital that you check your evidence you want the adjudicator to consider in
deposit amount against the Deposit Cap legislation, support of your claim. Make sure you include the
and also review permissible tenant fees in line with check-in inventory, schedule of condition report
the latest TDS Tenant Fees Matrix. Rules do differ on and the check-out report. If you are claiming for
fees throughout the UK so don’t assume the same rent arrears, send us a schedule of what’s been
applies in England and Wales or you may get caught paid and what hasn’t – along with dates for when
out. You can find out more about this on TDS’ suite the rent was due. Without these documents, you
of online tools at depositcap.com, which includes a may not be able to show that any property damage
deposit cap calculator. or rent arrears are the tenant’s responsibility.
Details of previous communications, receipts for
work carried out (or quotes for intended work) and
dated photographs will all help the adjudicator to
assess your claim.
To learn more about the deposit protection process
and how adjudicators approach deposit disputes,
check out the popular TDS Academy Online courses.
LETTERBOX | SPRING 2021
9
TDS Trends
TDS TRE
NDS
To ensure the guidance we give you is As mould can be a problem in the
always relevant, we carry out several winter and spring months, we were
polls and surveys throughout the keen to hear about your experiences
year to find out what you need – and for this issue of Letterbox. Here
what matters to you most. From your are the results from our recent
responses, we are then able to create mould poll, which over 2,000 of you
webinars, guides, articles and tools to responded to. Thank you for taking
help you avoid tenancy disputes and the time to give us your feedback.
remain compliant.
THE MA JORIT Y OF L ANDLORDS A QUARTER OF MOULD
AGREE THAT MOULD COULD CASES WERE CAUSED
BE EITHER THE L ANDLORD’S BY POOR VENTIL ATION
OR TENANT’S RESPONSIBILIT Y
DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION
BATHROOMS AND
BEDROOMS WERE
T WO THIRDS OF L ANDLORDS THE ROOMS MOST
HAVE EXPERIENCED MOULD IN COMMONLY AFFECTED
THEIR PROPERT Y DUE TO TENANT BY MOULD
NEGLECT
33% OF L ANDLORDS DEALT
WITH MOULD IMMEDIATELY
AFTER BEING REPORTED. 46%
DEALT WITH IT WITHIN 7 DAYS
39%
DRYING CLOTHES ONLY 39% OF
INDOORS WAS L ANDLORDS REFER
RESPONSIBLE FOR 21% SPECIFICALLY TO
OF MOULD CASES MOULD IN THE
TENANCY AGREEMENT
69%
SHOWERING WITHOUT HOWEVER, 69% OF
OPENING WINDOWS L ANDLORDS DO GIVE
WAS THE CAUSE OF 17% TENANTS GUIDANCE
OF MOULD CASES ON DAMP AND
CONDENSATION
12%
ONLY 12% OF
L ANDLORDS HAVE
RAISED A DEPOSIT
DEDUCTION CL AIM FOR
MOULD
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER 2021
2020
10The short read
MOULD:
A GROWING PROBLEM OR WEAR AND TEAR?
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR The Tenant’s Response The Take-Away
WHEN WE START TO The tenants disputed the claim A TDS adjudicator must take account
SEE THE EFFECTS OF entirely, arguing that the property of an appropriate amount of fair
CLOSED WINDOWS AND had an issue with damp and wear and tear, the length of the
POOR VENTILATION that they were therefore not tenancy, the original condition of
liable for redecoration costs. the décor, the residual lifespan,
DURING WINTER. FROM the number of occupants, the
STEAMING FOOD IN THE location of the room and the
KITCHEN TO DRYING extent of the damage identified.
The Evidence Had mould been present at check-
LAUNDRY INDOORS,
out the adjudicator would have
DAMP AND MOULD CAN Check-in and check-out reports
expected to have been provided
EASILY SPRING UP were submitted by the landlord.
with a specialist damp report
DURING A TENANCY, The check-in report showed that the to say that the cause of mould
walls had not been newly decorated present at check-out was a direct
WHICH CAN CAUSE at the start of the tenancy with result of the tenants’ lifestyle.
ISSUES WITH DEPOSIT some defects noted at that time.
In this case the pre-tenancy condition
DISPUTES FURTHER The check-out report of the décor and the duration of the
DOWN THE LINE. recorded additional marks tenancy was such that the landlord
and painted-over defects. would have been required to complete
The parties accepted there was redecoration due to normal use alone.
THIS CASE LOOKS an issue with mould during the There was no evidence to show
AT WHAT HAPPENED tenancy. However, mould was additional work, beyond that expected
not present at check-out. of the landlord, was required due
WHEN A LANDLORD
The landlord did not provide a to the tenants’ occupancy.
CLAIMED FOR A DEPOSIT specialist damp report to show that The TDS Guide to Product Lifespans
DEDUCTION TO COVER the issue with moisture was caused is a useful guide which outlines
REDECORATION DUE TO by the tenants’ lifestyle rather than lifespan in tenanted properties.
a defect within the property.
MOULD:
Top Tips
The Landlord’s Claim The Adjudicator’s Decision
• Be clear in the tenancy agreement
A dispute arose between the landlord While the evidence showed about ventilation and heating so
and tenants due to the condition of some deterioration to the décor, that tenants are aware of their
the walls at the end of the tenancy. the adjudicator did not find responsibilities in the property.
the claim to be justified.
The landlord claimed £616 towards • Make sure the check-in and
redecoration of the property stating The décor was not recorded as check-out reports record the
there was an issue with mould newly/freshly painted for the start condition of property with notes
and poorly decorated walls. of the tenancy, which had lasted on whether there is or isn’t mould.
almost five years, and recorded that Dated photographs can help.
some defects were pre-existing.
• Educate tenants to the benefits of
The adjudicator concluded that the opening windows when showering,
décor was at the end of its natural cooking and drying laundry.
lifespan, and the landlord would have
• If a tenant plans to leave the
needed to complete redecoration to
property for a length of time
the property, due to fair wear and
during the colder months, take
tear, as part of landlord maintenance.
measures to ensure the property’s
No award was made to the landlord.
temperature doesn’t drop too low.
Sanam Khan,
Dispute Resolution Manager
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER2021
2020
11Ask an
Adjudicator
My walls have been
Tenants have damaged my The sofa in my property is
damaged, but my tenants do
curtains; how can I support stained. Can I claim for a
not agree it was them. What
this claim? replacement?
can I do?
It is essential that tenants are A landlord should ensure that a Landlords need to show that
aware of the obligations placed on property is ready, and its contents cleaning (usually the less costly
them by the tenancy agreement. are fit for purpose at the start of remedy) has been attempted
In some cases, the tenant may the tenancy. When conducting and was unsuccessful before
not be permitted to make any inventory reports, it is important an adjudicator can consider an
alterations to the property without to clearly describe the condition award for either replacement or
first obtaining the permission of and cleanliness of the property, a compensatory award for loss
the landlord (for example installing avoiding wording such as ‘sparkly of value either aesthetically or
wall brackets). If a tenant does clean’. Using dated photographs a shortened lifespan. A third-
obtain permission to alter the to accompany inventory reports party professional cleaning
property in any way to include can enhance a claim as this is contractor's report confirming
adding fixings to parts of the more evidence an adjudicator that, in their professional opinion,
property, the tenant should be can use. Accurate evidence to they do not consider cleaning
able to provide written evidence support the amount claimed is would remove any stain would
of this permission in support of also recommended. Always submit be required in support of any
their statement. When claiming illustrated costings in the form landlord’s statement. Both show
for redecoration, a landlord should of detailed estimates, invoices or that the landlord has considered
consider the residual lifespan receipts to enable the adjudicator the most economical solution
of décor in the property. Décor to see an accurate breakdown of (which is their duty) before
requires regular updating as part the costs being charged. When claiming more; an adjudicator
of the general maintenance of a claiming for damage to curtains can consider a claim for a failed
property and should be completed make sure that you are claiming attempt at cleaning supported
at the cost of the landlord every the most appropriate remedy. by an invoice, as well as either
three to five years depending on Show that attempts have first a contribution towards the cost
the location of the area within the been made to clean or repair the of replacing the damaged item,
property. Without evidence to show curtains, providing evidence and if if justified, or a compensatory
that the décor required renewal known, prove the age, quality and award. In regard to the tenants
sooner than it would have done original cost of the curtains. This obligations, they should make an
had the damage not occurred, a may be able to help prove whether amendment to a check-in report to
claim against the tenant’s deposit is the damage caused by tenants record any discrepancies, such as
unlikely to be successful. falls under ‘fair wear and tear’ and stains to furnishings or any other
will help determine the level of damage that is present at the
compensation to be awarded. start of the tenancy; ensure that
they have a record of returning
any amendments to the agent/
landlord and report any issues that
arise during the tenancy.
Sandy Bastin,
Head of TDS Adjudication Services
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER 2021
2020
12Introducing...
INTRODUCING...
CHRIS HILLIER – HEAD OF INNOVATION AT THE DISPUTE SERVICE
After recently joining The Dispute Service
in a brand-new role as Head of Innovation,
Letterbox finds out more about how Chris
Hillier is helping our organisation to raise
standards in the PRS.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? What is your favourite thing about
working for TDS so far?
I started my career in healthcare as a nurse before
moving onto completing a degree and PhD in It’s a really enjoyable challenge. I’m fascinated by the
Scientific Research. For the next 15-20 years I culture element of TDS and the way the business
became an academic and worked as a Professor in model interacts with society through agents and
various institutions. My innovation career began in landlords. It certainly fuels ideas.
the Caribbean across Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica
before heading to the US where I worked in many
innovation roles across numerous organisations.
Outside of TDS, what is something not
everyone would know about you?
Tell us a little bit about your job at TDS I am a comic book fanatic! I love science-fiction
comics – my favourite being ‘Sandman’.
In a nutshell, my role here is to provide TDS with
future potential business opportunities that will take
us to a new level in tenancy deposits. For example, Who inspires you?
I look at how partnerships with other likeminded
Stan Lee. As I said before, I love comic books. I also
organisations in the property sector can help us to
believe his period was one of the most creative times
deliver more to landlords, agents and tenants.
ever. Some of the characters he created years ago are
I am currently setting-up an Innovation Hub at TDS, still around today, which tells you just how good the
which looks at how we utilise and build on the current ideas were.
skillsets of our staff to improve employee innovation.
Along with David Bowie. He’s probably one of the
most innovative people of my lifetime. He was
What advice would you give to others in the constantly reinventing himself. Just a genius.
industry looking to be more innovative?
Expect to fail! If you find yourself sitting too
What’s the first thing you want to
comfortably in your job, it probably means you’re not do when lockdown is over?
being innovative enough. I would advise them to take
Go to Las Vegas! Having been before I certainly
risks, when possible and to collaborate with other
enjoyed it, especially the food. However, Las Vegas
innovators and businesses to share ideas and
is a place you can’t stay for too long!
accelerate learning.
LETTERBOX | SPRING
WINTER2021
2020
13Breaking News
TDS RESOLUTION TEAMS UP WITH NRLA
TO TACKLE A WIDER RANGE OF LANDLORD
AND TENANT DISPUTES
The Dispute Service staff carry out However, with landlords and tenants • Property standards
over 20,000 tenancy deposit dispute alike experiencing financial hardship • Repairs
resolutions each year and increasingly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
• Entry rights
these are being resolved without the we have taken the decision to offer the
need for formal adjudication. in fact, in service free of charge. In addition to the • Rent arrears
some months, we are able to resolve up service becoming free, we have teamed up • Threatened evictions
to 40% of cases by talking to landlords with the National Residential Landlords • Breach of tenancy terms
and tenants and finding common ground Association (NRLA) to expand our offering
• Noise/Anti-social behaviour (except
between them. to deal with more than just rent arrears
serious anti-social activity)
TDS Resolution was originally launched issues.
in July 2020 to help facilitate agreements From the 1st April 2021, TDS Resolution
between landlords and tenants for will accept referrals from both landlords The find out more, visit https://www.
suitable rent arrears repayment plans. and tenants and will now be accepting thedisputeservice.com/tdsresolution and
referrals for additional tenancy dispute fill out the interactive form. Alternatively,
The service has proved to be a popular
issues, including: you can contact the NRLA advice line on
alternative to formal legal action.
0300 131 6400 for more information.
Alison MacDougall,
Director of Resolution
LETTERBOX
LETTERBOX | | SPRING
WINTER2021
2020
14
14WHAT’S ON ? LEARNING AT A GLANCE
TDS ACADEMY ONLINE
TDS ACADEMY & WEBINARS In-depth training covering everything you need to know about tenancy
deposit protection, dispute resolution and adjudication, ensuring you are
Adjudication Workshop Online Course well-prepared with the knowledge you need to comply with the current
Session 1: Session 2: legislation.
Thu, 20 May 2021 Fri, 21 May 2021
10:30 – 12:00 10:30 – 12:00 FOUNDATION COURSE
BOOK NOW BOOK NOW New bite-sized versions of our popular TDS Academy cover best practice
for tenancy deposits, including how to comply with the latest legislation
including the tenant fees ban. Learn top tips for tenancy agreements
and check-in and check-out reports.
Fixflo webinar with TDS and The Depositary
Why are Tenancy Deposit Disputes Still Happening?
Thu, 27 May 2021 TDS ADJUDICATION WORKSHOP
Run over two live sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, our adjudication
11:00 – 12:00 trainers will teach you how to 'think like an adjudicator'. The online
BOOK NOW course will show you how to claim deposit deductions with advice on
negotiating with tenants. You’ll also examine the key issues that an
adjudicator looks for in a dispute.
TDS and Painsmith Webinar
Latest updates in Landlord and Tenant law including LEVEL 3 PROPERT YMARK AWARD IN
Breathing Space Moratorium, Right to Rent update RESIDENTIAL TENANCY DEPOSITS
Tue, 01 June 2021 Developed in partnership with Propertymark to give you and your team
a recognised tenancy deposit protection (TDP) qualification and a way to
10:30 – 11:30 stand out in a competitive market.
BOOK NOW
DISPUTES & DAMAGES THE TDS WAY
TDS delivers the Disputes & Damages course in association with
Online Foundation Course Propertymark and provides property professionals with vital knowledge
on tenancy deposit protection legislation. Learn the essentials of the
Session 1: Session 2:
deposit protection process and how to remain compliant throughout.
Thu, 17 June 2021 Fri, 18 June
10:30 – 12:00 10:30 – 12:00
NEW FOR 2021
BOOK NOW BOOK NOW
ACCREDITED INVENTORY COURSES
TDS and Inventory Hive have introduced two new industry training
Adjudication Workshop Online Course courses in 2021.
Session 1: Session 2: Led by Michael Hill of TDS and Richard Abbotts of Inventory Hive, the
Thu, 24 June 2021 Fri, 25 June 2021 courses guide property professionals through each stage of a tenancy.
From check-ins and inventory reporting to mid-tenancy inspections, and
10:30 – 12:00 10:30 – 12:00
check-out reports, discover best-practice processes that will help you to
BOOK NOW BOOK NOW prepare for and avoid tenancy disputes.
TDS WEBINARS
PROPERT YMARK REGIONAL MEETING TDS delivers regular live, interactive webinars on the industry’s most
East Of England pressing topics linked to tenancy deposits. We also regularly feature
Thu, 08 July 2021 guest speakers from partner organisations. Webinar recordings are
available on the TDS website if you miss an event.
BOOK NOW
TDS GUIDES AND PUBLICATIONS
We produce a wealth of free information on our website covering topics
DISPUTES AND DAMAGES such as TDP legislation, adjudications and TDS top tips.
THE TDS WAY
Thu, 15 July 2021
09:30 - 15:30 TDS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Projects funded by our TDS Charitable Foundation include guides,
training resources and reports, all designed to raise standards in the
PRS.
www.tdsfoundation.org.uk
LETTERBOX | WINTER 2020
15deposits@tenancydepositscheme.com 0300 037 1000 www.tenancydepositscheme.com
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