Schemes and process
How to start a DPS, TDS or MyDeposits dispute (step-by-step)
Find which scheme holds your deposit (DPS, TDS or MyDeposits), open the tenant dispute portal before the deadline, and upload a complete evidence pack in one submission — cover letter, timeline, deduction responses and labelled attachments.
A practical walkthrough for opening a tenancy deposit scheme dispute online — what to click, what to upload, and how to avoid missing deadlines on DPS, TDS and MyDeposits.
Knowing DPS, TDS and MyDeposits exist is not the same as successfully opening a dispute before the portal closes. Each scheme uses different login flows, but the tenant task is identical: confirm where your money is, respond inside their system, and upload a complete pack the first time. This is the click-by-click guide — not the theory.
Before you log in — 15-minute prep
- Confirm your scheme via tenant lookup on DPS, TDS and MyDeposits sites (only one will match)
- Save the protection reference and tenancy dates
- List every deduction amount and description from the landlord
- Label your evidence files (Photo 1, Email 3, Check-in p4)
- Draft deduction-by-deduction responses in a document first
Step 1: Find your deposit
Visit each scheme's tenant lookup until your address and dates appear. If none match, ask the landlord in writing for protection details — see our schemes comparison guide for what to do when protection is unclear.
- 1DPS (Deposit Protection Service)
Use the tenant deposit search on depositprotection.com. Create a tenant account if prompted.
- 2TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme)
Search at tenancydepositscheme.com. Insured and custodial deposits use the same tenant lookup entry points.
- 3MyDeposits
Search at mydeposits.co.uk with postcode and tenancy start date.
Step 2: Open or respond to the dispute
Disputes usually start when the landlord claims deductions and you disagree, or when the deposit is not returned and you trigger resolution. The portal will show status — "awaiting tenant response," "dispute raised," etc. Follow the in-portal buttons; do not only email the landlord once the scheme is involved.
- Read the landlord's claimed amounts inside the portal
- Click respond / dispute / challenge deductions (wording varies)
- Enter your position on the total refund you believe is due
- Prepare uploads before hitting final submit
Step 3: What to upload
Adjudicators reward clarity. One zip of random photos is weaker than a structured pack. Aim to include:
- Cover letter or summary PDF (one to two pages)
- Deduction-by-deduction table with amounts and your response
- Timeline of move-in, reports, deductions, messages
- Evidence index listing each attachment
- Labelled photos, inventories, emails, invoices you dispute
Step 4: Submit and keep proof
- Screenshot the confirmation page and reference number
- Save copies of exactly what you uploaded
- Note the deadline in case the landlord adds late evidence
- Do not post aggressive comments in free-text boxes — stay factual
How this differs from other guides
Our DPS vs TDS vs MyDeposits guide explains how schemes compare. Our adjudication guide explains what happens after submission. This guide is the operational step between them — logging in, clicking dispute, uploading before the clock runs out.
Common questions
Can I start a dispute by email instead?
Once the scheme is engaged, use the portal. Emails to the landlord alone may not stop deadlines on the scheme account.
What if I cannot log in?
Use scheme contact forms immediately, reference your protection number, and ask for tenant access. Do not miss the window silently.
Should I wait for more evidence?
Only if still within the deadline. Submit the strongest pack you have now — late supplements are often refused.
Can DepositPack help before I upload?
Yes. It produces the letter, timeline, evidence index and structured responses many tenants paste or attach into scheme portals.
Ready to build your dispute pack?
Answer a few questions, upload evidence, and generate a structured response for £29 before you send it.