The Tenancy Deposit Scheme released a new scheme leaflet last week, and in doing so they have renamed their information pamphlet entitled “What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?” (which it has always been named) to “Tenancy Deposit Insured Scheme Guide”.

At first glance there is no major issue with the change. But that is not the case, as one estate agent who contacted EYE this week pointed out.

“I thought you may wish to warn other agents of the following,” he said.

Warn agents about what?

The agent explained what the potential issue is: “This causes a big problem as the TDS prescribed information states, (b) A leaflet entitled What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?, which explains the operation of the provisions contained in sections 212 to 215 of, and Schedule 10 to, Housing Act 2004, must accompany this document when given to the tenant and any relevant person.”

The agent continued: “I’m not sure what they have changed the name of the leaflet, but I suspect that all Agents who use the insured scheme are currently issuing documents which do not comply with the very PI that TDS have laid out. Either the leaflet needs renaming or the PI needs updating.

The agent told us that he contacted TDS about this issue, but they were unable to provide a solution.

“If left unchecked we could well have another Superstrike issue bubbling up,” he added. “I also despair a little that the new leaflet with the icon “Printer Friendly” now runs to 16 pages with large cartoon graphics and solid blue front and rear pages – not the environmental document that many would hope for.”

EYE contacted the TDS to share the agent’s concerns, and a spokesperson responded yesterday, stating the following:

“Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We will be reverting to the original title which will be uploaded to our website tomorrow [Wednesday, 20 December ’23].”

“We will also be relooking at our printer friendly versions to adapt accordingly,” the spokesperson added.