Private Housing

This section of our website aims to provide you with information regarding private sector housing rented accommodation

If you are currently in a private rent and your circumstances have changed or you are finding it difficult to afford you may wish to visit the Housing Benefit section of this website or Citizens Advice for financial / debt advice. See the links to the right of the screen.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

From the 6 April 2007, all landlords and letting agents taking deposits for assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales are required to join a Government-accredited tenancy deposit protection scheme. This will safeguard all the deposits landlords and agents take.

There are two types of tenancy deposit protection scheme available for landlords and letting agents (insurance-based schemes and custodial schemes). All schemes provide a free dispute resolution service.

The Deposit Protection Service (Custodial Scheme)

The DPS is the only custodial deposit protection scheme, is free to use and open to all Landlords and Letting Agents. The service is funded entirely from the interest earned from deposits held. Landlords and Letting Agents will be able to register and make transactions online. Paper forms will also be available should Internet access be an issue. The scheme will be supported by a dedicated call centre and an independent dispute resolution service. For more information, visit the deposit protection website or telephone 0870 707 1 707.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (Insurance Based Scheme)

TDS is an insurance-backed deposit protection and dispute resolution scheme run by The Dispute Service that builds on a scheme established in 2003 to provide dispute resolution and complaints handling for the lettings industry. The new scheme enables letting agents and landlords to hold deposits. For more information, visit the TDS website or call 0845 226 7837

Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (Insurance Based Scheme)

TDSL is a partnership between the National Landlords Association and Hamilton Fraser Insurance. This insurance-based tenancy deposit protection scheme enables landlords, either directly or through agents, to hold deposits. Letting agents can also join the scheme. For more information, visit the my deposits website or telephone 0871 703 0552.