TDS Academy launches CPD training to boost deposit dispute skills
The Deposit Service (TDS) has begun its 2026 Academy training programme offering CPD-accredited courses to letting agents, landlords and property professionals to improve deposit protection compliance and reduce disputes.
Starting in July, TDS is delivering Foundation and Adjudication Workshop courses via Zoom, alongside partner Inventory Hive’s updated inventory and inspection training. These courses aim to raise standards across the private rented sector by enhancing knowledge and practical skills related to tenancy deposits and property inspections.
Training is led by TDS adjudication experts and Inventory Hive’s Tim Wakelin, with successful participants able to use the TDS Academy Approved Accreditation logo on tenancy reports for 18 months. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to support professionals in meeting regulatory requirements and managing tenancy processes more effectively.
Details of TDS Academy training and course content
The TDS Academy’s 2026 training programme includes two main courses delivered live via Zoom: the Foundation course and the Adjudication Workshop. Each course lasts three hours and is CPD-accredited, designed to build confidence in deposit protection and improve compliance with tenancy deposit legislation.
These courses focus on helping letting agents, landlords and property managers to negotiate deposit deduction proposals and reduce the likelihood of disputes escalating to adjudication. Training is provided by TDS’s in-house resolution experts, who bring practical experience from the adjudication team.
In addition, Inventory Hive has revamped its on-demand training modules, also CPD-accredited, which cover best practice for inventory and inspection reporting at every tenancy stage. These modules are split into two core areas: pre-tenancy activities and check-in reports, plus mid-term visits and end-of-tenancy check-outs.
Inventory Hive’s training is aimed at inventory clerks, letting agents, property managers and landlords, guiding them through detailed procedures to ensure accurate and comprehensive inventory documentation. This supports improved dispute prevention by providing clear evidence of property condition throughout tenancies.
Context of training within wider sector compliance and dispute prevention
Deposit disputes remain a significant challenge in the private rented sector, with compliance failures and poor documentation often leading to disagreements between landlords and tenants. The introduction of CPD-accredited training by TDS and Inventory Hive addresses this by equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to handle deposits and inventories correctly.
The use of accredited training also aligns with the sector’s increasing emphasis on professional standards and regulatory compliance. As tenancy deposit protection schemes and adjudication processes evolve, staying informed and competent is essential for landlords and agents to avoid costly disputes and regulatory penalties.
By offering accessible online courses, TDS Academy facilitates ongoing professional development, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of deposit disputes. This training complements other compliance measures such as licensing, safety checks and tenancy documentation requirements.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
For landlords and letting agents, participating in TDS Academy training offers tangible benefits. Improved understanding of deposit protection rules can lead to fewer disputes and smoother tenancy endings, saving time and legal costs. The ability to display the TDS Academy Approved Accreditation logo on check-in and check-out reports may also enhance professional credibility with tenants and clients.
Inventory and inspection training helps ensure that inventories are thorough and defensible, which is crucial evidence in deposit disputes. Agents and landlords who complete these courses can adopt best practices that reduce the risk of disagreements over property condition and deposit deductions.
Furthermore, the CPD accreditation supports ongoing professional development requirements for agents and property managers, contributing to a culture of compliance and quality service within the sector.
Remaining uncertainties and future developments
While the TDS Academy training is a positive step, some uncertainties remain regarding how widely such training will be adopted across the sector and whether it will become a standard expectation for landlords and agents. The impact on dispute resolution outcomes will need to be monitored over time to assess effectiveness.
There is also the question of how this training will integrate with other regulatory changes and reforms affecting the private rented sector, such as evolving deposit protection rules or new tenancy legislation. Professionals should stay alert to further updates from TDS and government bodies.
As the private rented sector continues to face pressures around compliance and tenant rights, ongoing education and practical training will be essential. The TDS Academy’s role in this landscape may expand, potentially offering more courses or updated content in response to regulatory changes.
What landlords and agents should do now
Landlords and letting agents should consider enrolling in TDS Academy courses to strengthen their understanding of deposit protection and inventory procedures. Completing CPD-accredited training can improve compliance and reduce the risk of disputes, which remain costly and time-consuming.
Reviewing current deposit handling and inventory practices in light of the training content may reveal areas for improvement. Maintaining accurate records and clear communication with tenants about deposits is crucial.
Professionals should also monitor TDS communications and sector news for updates on training opportunities and regulatory developments. Engaging with accredited training providers supports a proactive approach to managing tenancy risks and meeting compliance obligations.
Supporting compliance with TLA membership and ORBIT platform
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that provides access to compliance resources and practical information relevant to deposit protection and tenancy management. Members benefit from guidance on regulatory requirements and can review documentation and procedures to ensure they meet current standards.
TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise properties and portfolios efficiently. ORBIT supports managing rental documents and records, including deposit-related paperwork, and helps keep evidence of compliance activity together in one place.
Through ORBIT, members can record key actions such as inspections, check-ins, and communications related to deposits and disputes. This centralised approach assists with maintaining robust records that may be needed during dispute resolution or regulatory inspections.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords and agents with practical tools and support to meet deposit protection obligations and reduce tenancy disputes.
Looking ahead, as deposit dispute prevention remains a priority in the sector, ongoing training and effective record-keeping will be vital for landlords and agents to manage risks and maintain good tenant relationships.
Sources: Letting Agent Today
TLA - The Landlord Association