The Housing Act 2004 made provision for both the protection of tenancy deposits and the resolution of disputes over their return. THis legislation comes into force on 6th April 2007 and after this date all deposits taken for Assured Shorthold Tenancies will have to be covered by a tenancy deposit scheme. Wolf's, as professional members of ARLA will be eligible to join the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). This will mean that at the end of the tenancy there will be a set procedure in place for resolving any dispute with regard to a deduction from the tenant's deposit. THere will be strict timetables laid down and if, at the end of this period, the matter is still in dispute then the deposit must be sent to the TDS who will appoint an independent adjudicator to decide what should happen to the deposit. The new scheme will only apply to tenancies created after 6th April 2007. However for tenancies that were entered into prior to this date, the TDS is able to appoint an adjudicator in the event of a dispute. Further information can be obtained from the website www.tds.gb.com.