-1.svg)
Your deposit will be protected within 30 days of your move-in with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) or Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
What is a Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
In 2007 the UK Government started the government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP), making it a legal requirement that if you rent your home on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) the deposit must be protected with a registered company, the schemes in England are:
There are separate TDP schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Why is a third-party scheme used?
To protect both tenant and landlord and provide a fair, non-bias deposit return. The tenancy scheme oversees any claims made by each party and makes a final decision on what costs can be claimed from the deposit.
How do I secure my deposit with a scheme?
During the application process, your property manager will reqest the deposit funds up-front and will secure your funds with the Deposit Protection Service. Once this has been done, the DPS will contact you via email to set up an account.
This is done in the first 30-day of you starting your tenancy with us.
Activating your DPS account
After we have sent your details across to the DPS they set up your account and email you an activation code. You will need to click the link to activate your account. Once activated you need to choose a strong password and security questions. Activating your account is essential for keeping track of your deposit, failing to do so can delay the process and you may have to wait longer to get your deposit back.
When will I receive my deposit after moving out?
The deposit process depends on the amount and severity of any claims made by either party. When you move out of the property, we will inform the DPS and include any necessary costs. You will be sent an email notifying you either to release your deposit or dispute any claims with evidence.
If there are no claims, you can expect to release your deposit within 10 working days of your tenancy ending.
How do I dispute claims on my deposit?
In some cases, you may want to dispute a claim we have made. This is done through the DPS and is a straightforward process. The Deposit Resolution Service happens in 4 stages:
- Urban Evolution must submit evidence in support of its claim and tenants provide evidence supporting their position. The DPS does not request specific items of evidence so make sure you send everything relevant to your claim.
- The DPS then send the evidence to an independent, impartial adjudicator.
- The adjudicator reviews the evidence and decides how the deposit will be repaid.
- The DPS send the adjudicator’s decision to both parties.
The process is slightly different depending on the type of deposit scheme your deposit is covered under. The two schemes are classified as custodial or Insured.
Custodial Scheme
Both parties are given 14 days from starting the adjudication process to submit evidence. The independent adjudicator then has 28 days to provide a decision. This means the process can take up to six weeks, although it’s often quicker.
Insured Scheme
The process is slightly different as explained in these guides.
I have a query about my deposit that hasn't been answered
Not to worry, we have a deposits team you can contact via deposits@theurbanevolution.co.uk or you can read more information on the DPS website here.