The Housing Act 2004 introduces provisions to ensure tenancy deposit protection for assured shorthold tenancies. These provisions should remove the risk of misappropriation of tenants' deposits by landlords and letting agents.

Who will run the schemes?

• The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) - 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 www.depositprotection.com or call 0870 707 1707.
  
  
• Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (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 www.mydeposits.co.uk.
  
  
• The Tenancy Deposit 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 www.tds.gb.com or call 0845 226 7837.

This section includes research and consultations undertaken on tenancy deposit protection as well as linking to the Housing Act 2004 factsheet covering tenancy deposits provisions.

An Evaluation of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme