Schemes and process
DPS vs TDS vs MyDeposits: what changes for tenants
DPS, TDS and MyDeposits all offer free dispute resolution — you must use the portal for the scheme that actually holds your deposit. Find yours via tenant lookup tools or by asking your landlord for the protection reference in writing.
How the three UK deposit schemes — DPS, TDS and MyDeposits — work for tenants, where to raise a dispute, and what to do if you cannot find your deposit.
England and Wales use three government-approved deposit protection schemes: DPS (Deposit Protection Service), TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), and MyDeposits. The legal principles are similar — but where you log in, how disputes start, and which deadlines apply depend on which scheme holds your money. Getting this wrong wastes time when you are already under pressure.
What every scheme must provide
- Protection of your deposit within legal time limits after you pay it
- Prescribed information telling you where the deposit is protected
- A free dispute resolution service if you and the landlord cannot agree
- An adjudicator who decides on evidence — not on who argues loudest
How to find your scheme in 5 minutes
- 1Check your move-in paperwork
Tenancy agreement, deposit certificate, or prescribed information email — it usually names the scheme and protection ID.
- 2Search all three tenant lookup tools
Use your name, property address and deposit amount on the DPS, TDS and MyDeposits websites. One will show a match.
- 3Email your landlord or agent
“Please confirm which deposit protection scheme holds my deposit, the protection reference, and the protected amount.” Keep the sent email.
Scheme comparison — what tenants care about
- DPS — widely used; custodial and insured options; disputes via DPS portal after landlord submits claim
- TDS — used by many agents; insured and custodial; tenant dispute entry via TDS website when process starts
- MyDeposits — similar dispute flow; check their tenant hub for your case status
- All three: outcomes depend on your evidence, not the scheme logo
Custodial vs insured — does it matter for disputes?
Custodial schemes hold the deposit money directly. Insured schemes let the landlord/agent hold the money with insurance backing. For most deduction disputes, the process is the same: itemised claim, tenant response, evidence to adjudicator. The scheme name and portal matter more than custodial vs insured.
When the landlord submits a claim
You will usually receive notice from the scheme that a dispute is open or proposed deductions have been entered. Read that email immediately. It should tell you how to respond, how long you have, and where to upload evidence. Missing this deadline is one of the most common reasons tenants lose disputes they could have won.
- Log in to the correct scheme portal the same day you get notice
- Download or screenshot their claimed deductions
- Upload your evidence and written responses before the deadline — not on the last hour
- Keep copies outside the portal in case of upload issues
Common questions
Is one scheme better for tenants?
No reliable data shows one scheme favours tenants. Strong evidence and clear responses win cases across all three.
Can I dispute before the landlord submits to the scheme?
You can negotiate directly first. Formal scheme adjudication usually starts after a claim is submitted and you disagree.
What if I disagree with only part of the claim?
Respond to each line item. You can accept some charges and dispute others — say exactly which.
Can the scheme tell me what to upload?
Schemes explain process, not strategy. Use their deadlines and portals — but your evidence content is your responsibility.
What if I cannot find my deposit on any lookup tool?
Email your landlord or agent in writing asking for scheme name, protection ID, and amount. If still nothing, the deposit may be unprotected — a different issue with its own time limits.
Does custodial vs insured change how I dispute?
Usually not for standard deduction disputes. The portal, deadlines, and evidence rules matter more than how the money is held.
What if the landlord ignores the scheme process?
Follow the scheme’s instructions. Adjudicators decide on submitted evidence — if the landlord fails to respond, the scheme still has a process; check your case notes in the portal.
I moved out years ago — can I still use the scheme?
Disputes are usually raised soon after a claim is made, not years later. If you only discovered a problem recently, contact the scheme immediately and explain — but expect strict limits.
Ready to build your dispute pack?
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