Mydeposits.co.uk, a non-custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme, has launched a new, unique way for tenants to raise a deposit dispute at the end of their tenancy. Mydeposits.co.uk's online dispute service means tenants can now make a complete claim online – something no other deposit scheme offers. Previously, tenants had to call or email mydeposits.co.uk during office hours to start their dispute claim. The new system offers complete flexibility; a claim can be made instantly at any time of the day or night. All tenants need to do is log on to mydeposits.co.uk and enter their Deposit Protection Certificate reference.* Currently, the average deposit amount in dispute cases is £733, a sum that few can afford to lose, or wait many weeks to have returned. The online dispute service simplifies the dispute process for both tenants and landlords, and ensures the dispute process can begin as soon as possible. This new service enables tenants to provide evidence for their claim by uploading photos and scanned documents such as inventories.** The claim can be completed all in one go or, if more evidence is needed, it can be saved online and returned to later. While the other schemes have to wait for paperwork to be submitted, mydeposits.co.uk disputes are already being processed. As soon as a tenant submits a claim online the landlord or letting agent can be informed. The service also offers landlords the chance to submit their own evidence and both parties can track the progress of the claim. Eddie Hooker, Chief Executive, mydeposits.co.uk, commenting on the new service said: “We are proud of the online dispute service; which is exclusive to mydeposits.co.uk. To raise a dispute all a tenant needs is access to the internet and a live email address and they can start the process whenever and wherever they like.

"Although only a tiny fraction of tenancies end in dispute, it is reassuring for tenants to know they now have an even more efficient way to have a dispute resolved.” *This is given to the tenant by the landlord/letting agent at the beginning of the tenancy and proves the deposit is protected with mydeposits.co.uk **If a tenant wishes to send additional hard copies as evidence the online service also provides a printable address label with the claim number on it. • In addition to the online dispute service tenants can still raise a dispute via phone or email. • Tenants who would like to check if their deposit is protected with mydeposits should go to: www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/tenant-isyourdepositprotected.htm -Ends-

NOTES TO EDITORS: About mydeposits.co.uk: Mydeposits is the trading name of Tenancy Deposit Solutions Limited, a company jointly owned by the National Landlords Association and HFIS plc T/A Hamilton Fraser Insurance (the Scheme Administrator) to deliver an insurance-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme under contract from Communities & Local Government. Landlords and letting agents wishing to use this scheme are required to register with the Scheme Administrator. They can find out more and register by visiting www.mydeposits.co.uk. Registered members of the Scheme are able to protect and unprotect deposits at the beginning and end of tenancies. Fees are tax-deductible. In the event of a dispute at the end of the tenancy agreement, both parties are offered access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This procedure will be evidence-based, relying on documentation and records. For further information please contact: Ellie Irwin mydeposits.co.uk E: ellie.irwin@mydeposits.co.uk T: 020 7840 8925 M: 07833 683 281