LONDON, November 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
In its latest Annual Review published today, The Dispute Service, the company behind TDS, TDS Northern Ireland and SafeDeposits Scotland has revealed figures showing another "outstanding" year for the company and Scheme members.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130521/613990-b )
According to the report, membership fees were reduced for a third consecutive year in England and Wales, aided by the company's unique not for profit status. Investment in IT and customer services also saw TDS win a number of awards and the successful review of its Government Standard for Customer Service Excellence status.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme now protects deposits worth £1billion for over 2,500 letting agent members, and 14,000 members of a new landlord scheme launched in 2012.
Letting agents and landlords can also take assurance from new disputes data in the report showing a further increase in the share of disputed deposits awarded to landlords and letting agents, to just over half (52.8%).
TDS adjudicated in 8,948 deposit disputes and significantly outperformed the government target of 95% of disputes adjudicated in 28 days. Cleaning remained the biggest cause of dispute arising in 56% of cases..
Commenting on the Annual Review, Chief Executive Steve Harriott said; "TDS has again published an outstanding set of results. For a third consecutive year, we have reduced costs to members and improved an already award winning service.
"The coming year will see further developments including a new online evidence platform and live online chat with our Customer Contact Centre.
"Working with our Member User Forum and e-Consultation Network keeps us in touch with what TDS members think and play an important part in improving the Scheme."
Chair of TDS Professor Martin Partington added, "I am delighted that TDS has produced another strong set of financial results.
"What continues to set TDS apart is its outstanding customer service and work to help the industry reap the benefits of tenancy deposit protection. Better quality dispute evidence provided by agents is an indicator of how projects like TDS Academy are contributing to best practice in lettings, and awareness campaigns for tenants are helping them understand what their landlord should or should not be doing.
"I look forward to the exciting new developments TDS has planned for the coming year."
2013 saw the first year in operation of SafeDeposits Scotland and the successful launch of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland, both of which are now the largest Schemes in their respective markets.
The TDS Annual Review 2012-13 can be downloaded from http://www.tds.gb.com/annual-reports.html
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme will also be handing out copies at the Negotiator Conference on 5th November.
Media Contact
Chris Kendall T: +44(0)1442-210-236 M: +44(0)7712-862-372 E:Chrisk@tds.gb.com
Share this article