A new charity spun off from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme has launched a website and is inviting applications for grants.
The TDS Charitable Foundation, launched in January, is being funded from unclaimed deposit money paid to tenants but never cashed.
The new body will give grants to projects working towards the goal of improving standards in the private rented sector, through better landlord or tenant education.
In its first round of funding, the Foundation will give particular focus to tenants who are renting privately for the first time, and to ‘accidental landlords’ who have little or no awareness as to their obligations.
Leading industry and tenant organisations are represented on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees including the NAEA, RICS and National Union of Students.
Steve Harriott, chief executive of TDS, and a trustee of the Foundation, said: “The TDS Charitable Foundation is providing a valuable new source of funding for organisations which are committed to better standards in private renting.
“At present, anyone can enter the lettings industry without training or experience, exposing people to many risks, from bad service to substandard living conditions, to financial loss or worse.
“I look forward to receiving new and exciting proposals for making tenants aware of what they need to expect from their landlords and agents, and for ways to encourage landlords into training.”
Applications for funding should be made at tdsfoundation.org.uk by June 9.
"is being funded from unclaimed deposit money paid to tenants but never cashed"
First reaction:
What happened to the principle of the deposit belonging to the tenant and never the landlord? If that is correct then it NEVER belongs to the deposit schemes either!
Second reaction:
Oh goody, another "Charity" complaining about agents and landlords – perhaps they should save time and money by merging with Shelter sooner rather than later?
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