How does TDS Northern Ireland actually protect deposits?
Insured protection: The landlord or agent holds the deposit and we have insurance covering it. If the landlord or agent fails to pay money that they owe, we can refund the tenant and claim it from our insurance. We pursue landlords separately to recover money that they owe.
Custodial protection: We hold the deposit in a designated account. We only release the funds when both parties give consent; when a TDS NI adjudicator makes an award following a dispute; or when ordered by a Court.
Both forms of protection include free dispute resolution, whereby the tenant can refer a disagreement over the repayment of the deposit to us for impartial adjudication. Both parties must agree to be bound by the adjudicator's decision