The summer mid-year check-in for landlords

Welcome to your summer mid-year check-in! As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s the perfect time for landlords across the UK to take stock of their rental responsibilities. Summer brings longer days, better weather, and often a brief lull between busy periods, making it an ideal season to tackle property maintenance, review legal obligations, and plan ahead. In this guide produced by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme in partnership with the NRLA, we’ll walk you through practical seasonal tasks and important mid-year reminders. Whether you’re a new landlord or have years of experience, this check-in guide will ensure you stay on top of summer duties. 

For one, good weather gives a chance to address any damage left over from winter and prepare homes for the summer months. Many tenancies (especially student lets) naturally turn over in summer, so you may be handling tenant move-outs, deposit returns, and new tenancies. It’s also a sensible midpoint to review compliance and check that all your certificates and paperwork are up to date, rather than leaving everything until year-end. By tackling issues now, you can prevent minor concerns from becoming major problems and keep your tenants happy through the rest of the year.  

In this guide, we’ll cover a mid-year compliance checklist, summer maintenance tips, managing tenancy transitions like mid-tenancy inspections or student changeovers, and planning for summer holidays, for both you and your tenants. 

Staying on top of legal obligations is a year-round job, but mid-year is a great time to double-check everything is in order. Use this compliance checklist to ensure you’re meeting all requirements as a landlord and avoid any unwelcome surprises or penalties. 

1. Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): By law, you must have an annual gas safety check on every gas appliance and flue in the property, performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The gas safety certificate should be renewed within 12 months of the previous check, and you need to give a copy to your tenants within 28 days of each check.  
    
2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Since 2020, it’s been a legal requirement in England that the electrical installations in rented properties are inspected and tested at least once every 5 years by a qualified electrician. This inspection ensures the wiring, sockets, light fittings, and fuse boards are safe. You should have a valid EICR certificate on file and provide a copy to your tenants. If your property’s last electrical inspection was in 2019 or earlier, now is the time to book a new one.  
    
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An EPC measures your property’s energy efficiency (A to G rating) and is valid for 10 years. Legally, you need a current EPC (rating E or above) whenever you rent out a property. Check that your EPC hasn’t expired. The minimum standard right now is E rating for all new and existing tenancies, but be aware this may tighten up. 
    
4. Deposit protection & paperwork: When taking a tenancy deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme (like TDS) within 30 days of receipt, and Prescribed Information given to the tenants. Ensure any new deposits from tenancies that started in the first half of 2025 have been correctly protected.  
   
   TDS Tip: There’s no need to re-register or re-protect a deposit each year for an ongoing tenancy. For example, if it rolls into a periodic tenancy with no changes, the original protection continues. However, if you renewed a tenancy with a fresh fixed term or there were any changes in tenants or deposit amount, double-check if you needed to re-protect or update details. 
    
5. How to Rent guide: In England, landlords must provide tenants with the latest How to Rent guide at the start of any new tenancy. This is an official government pamphlet outlining tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities. The guide is updated periodically and the most recent version was released in 2023, replacing the previous 2019 edition. There’s no requirement to re-serve an updated guide during an ongoing tenancy unless you’re renewing the contract or signing a new one, but it’s good practice to stay informed of changes yourself. (For Wales and Scotland, this specific guide isn’t used; Wales has different documentation under its Renting Homes rules, and Scotland has its own tenant information packs.) 
    
6. Safety alarms & smoke/CO regulations: Mid-year is a smart time to test and verify all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning and that you have the required coverage. Legally in England, you need at least one smoke alarm on each floor of the property, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel or gas appliance. Similar rules apply in Scotland and Wales, with minor differences in regulations.  
   
   TDS Tip: Include alarm checks in your mid-year inspection – press the test button to be sure it’s loud and clear. If an alarm is found not working, landlords are required to fix or replace it as soon as possible. 
    
7. Landlord licensing: Some councils now operate landlord licensing. Take a moment mid-year to confirm whether any of your properties require a license and that yours is up to date if so. For example, HMO licenses (for houses with 5+ people forming 2+ households) typically last 5 years. Some towns have selective licensing zones where all landlords must be licensed, so check your local council’s website for any new schemes or consultations that might affect you. 
   
   TDS Tip: If you’re not sure, council websites often list which postcodes are covered by licensing. In Wales, remember that all landlords must register with Rent Smart Wales, and if you self-manage properties, you need a license and proper training. Likewise, in Scotland, landlords must be registered with the local authority, and any agent you use should be registered or licensed. 
    
8. Right to Rent checks: In England, Right to Rent immigration checks should have been done at the start of the tenancy. There’s usually no ongoing duty to re-check unless you know a tenant’s time-limited visa was due to expire, in which case a follow-up check is required to avoid penalties. For Scotland, Wales and NI to Right to Rent checks do not apply. 
    
9. Property access or security issues: Summer is a good time to check that access routes to the property are safe and secure. This could include communal entranceways, gates, shared gardens, or stairwells if your property is part of a block. Check that external doors, locks, and communal areas are secure and free from hazards. Landlords are often responsible for ensuring safe access, even in leasehold or managed buildings. If your property has security lighting, gates, or intercoms, make sure they’re working properly. 
    
10. Other documentation: Take time to review other important documents: Property inventory reports, tenancy agreements, and insurance policies. A mid-year file audit can catch things like an upcoming landlord insurance renewal or an outdated term in your tenancy agreement that needs updating.

This checklist isn’t exhaustive, but it covers the primary compliance checkpoints for mid-year. By conducting a mid-year compliance review, you’ll ensure that you and your property remain on the right side of the law, and you’ll be providing a safe, secure home for your tenants as we head into the latter half of 2025. 

With longer days and (hopefully) nicer weather, summer is the perfect season to give your rental property a little TLC. Proactive maintenance during the summer can prevent headaches later when autumn storms or winter cold arrive, and keeps your tenants comfortable in the meantime. Here are some practical summer maintenance tips:  

Start your summer prep with an outdoor tidy-up: trim the lawns, cut back hedges, and clear any dead plants or debris. Not only will this make the property look inviting, it also prevents issues. For instance, overgrown plant life can harbour pests or block light from windows. Clear out gutters and downspouts too, gutters should ideally be cleaned twice a year. Removing leaves and gunk now ensures rainwater can drain properly during summer thunderstorms, helping to prevent leaks or damp seeping into walls. While you’re checking, inspect the roof for any loose or missing tiles. Summer’s calmer weather is the safest time to fix roofing issues, before heavy autumn rains arrive.  

Also, if the property has a deck or balcony, remember that hot weather can dry out wood and even make it brittle. Ensure wooden decks are treated and structurally sound – and advise tenants to notify you if they notice any loose boards or wobbly railings, since decks get a lot of use in summer BBQ season.  

TDS Tip: Clear communication with your tenants about garden responsibilities is key – who is expected to mow the lawn or weed the flowerbeds? The Tenancy Deposit Scheme recommends including a clear garden clause in your tenancy agreement, so everyone knows their duties. 

It might seem strange to think about heating when it’s warm outside, but summer is the best time to service your boiler and heating system. After working hard through winter, your boiler deserves an annual check-up – and doing this in summer means you’re well-prepared when cold weather returns. Arrange the annual boiler service now, in the off-peak season, with a qualified Gas Safe engineer. A summer service will verify that the boiler is running efficiently, safely, and isn’t developing any faults. It’s far better to discover and fix an issue in July than to have the heating fail on a freezing November night! Use this opportunity to also test heating controls and thermostats.  

Summer is also an ideal time to look at ventilation and insulation. Proper ventilation will help your property handle the summer heat and also avoid damp buildup. Go through each room and open and close all windows to make sure none are painted shut or jammed. Test the window locks and catches (for security, and so tenants can ventilate easily). While windows are open, inspect the seals around the frames and replace any perished or missing sealant to keep drafts out. Good seals will help keep the home cooler on hot days (and warmer on cool nights) by reducing air leaks. If the property has trickle vents, ensure they aren’t clogged.  

In kitchens and bathrooms, make sure extractor fans are clean and working, proper extraction is crucial year-round to combat condensation. Speaking of which, summer can sometimes reveal hidden damp or mould patches due to lingering humidity. Check corners of bathrooms and behind furniture for any signs of mould (black spots or musty smells). Also peek into the loft if accessible: see if insulation is in place and hasn’t been disturbed. Adequate insulation not only saves energy in winter but also keeps the house from overheating by blocking roof space heat in summer.  

UK homes aren’t typically built with air conditioning, so simple steps can help your tenants in a heatwave. Encourage them to use curtains or blinds to block direct sun during heatwaves, and to open windows in the evenings to flush out hot air. If the property has any ceiling fans, give them a quick clean and test.  

Extreme heat can also cause unexpected maintenance issues. For example, very dry ground can contribute to building movement or cracks. Keep an eye out for any new cracks in plaster or brickwork that might appear after a heatwave and address them if needed (most hairline cracks are minor, but large ones might warrant professional inspection). Overall, a focus on heating/ventilation maintenance in summer ensures your property is prepared for any weather – hot or cold. 

Take the opportunity in mid-year to give all the plumbing a once-over. Small leaks can go unnoticed when everyone’s busy, but over time they cause damage (and waste water). Check under sinks, around washing machines, and near boilers for any signs of leaks or drips. Even a slow drip from a pipe joint or a trickle from a tap can worsen, so tighten any loose fittings or call a plumber to fix that leaky valve. Don’t forget to test the toilets: ensure each toilet flushes properly and that the cistern isn’t running continuously (a running overflow can waste lots of water and indicate a faulty flush valve). Summer is also a good time to test any rarely used water outlets. For instance, turn on the outside garden tap if it hasn’t been used since last year, to check that it survived the winter freeze without cracks. If you find any splits or leaks in outdoor plumbing, get those repaired or replaced. Pour water down any little-used drains (like an infrequently used shower or floor drain) to ensure the trap hasn’t dried out and to flush any debris. 

TDS Tip: One often overlooked task: clear outdoor drains. Over spring, leaves and dirt may have accumulated. By removing leaves, rubbish, or weeds from around drains, you allow rainwater to flow freely. This reduces the risk of water backing up during sudden summer downpours (which, in the UK, we know do happen!) 

If your property has a sump pump or any interior drain, test it as well. And for those with water storage tanks or combi boilers, consider checking the pressure and topping up the system if needed (following manufacturer instructions or via a professional). 

Warm weather often brings out unwanted guests – from insects to rodents. Summer is peak season for pests, so landlords and tenants need to be vigilant. Common culprits include ants marching into kitchens, wasps building nests under eaves, or flies and maggots if bins aren’t managed. To prevent infestations, seal up any gaps or entry points you noticed during your inspection. For instance, if you saw a crack in the caulking around a pipe or a missing air brick cover, get those repaired, pests often exploit even tiny openings. Encourage tenants to report signs of pests immediately, rather than ignoring the issue. A minor ant trail can usually be dealt with quickly, but a wasp nest or mice colony can grow if not addressed, leading to bigger problems. 

One proactive step is to remind tenants about waste management in hot weather. Bins can become smelly and attract flies very quickly in summer. Ensure the property has the appropriate number of refuse and recycling bins for the household size, as per local council rules. Some landlords provide outdoor bin storage or insect-resistant bin lids – a small investment that can keep vermin away.  

For garden pests, check if there are any wasp nests starting under the roof eaves, in sheds, or garages. Wasps are most active mid-to-late summer. Early in the season, a small nest can be professionally treated before it grows. Similarly, keep an eye out for signs of mice or rats around the exterior; droppings, gnawed wood, or burrow holes. If the property has any broken air vents or gaps in brickwork, sealing those will help keep rodents out (pests often squeeze through holes in older properties). 

Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plants also thrive in summer and can cause disputes or even legal headaches. Notably, recent changes in law allow neighbours to take action if Japanese Knotweed from one property encroaches on theirs. If you or your tenant spot this notorious weed on the property, you should arrange a specialist treatment; do not just cut it down as that can spread it.  

Lastly, consider pest control contracts if your property is in an area prone to infestations (for example, properties backing onto rivers or restaurants). A yearly visit from a pest control professional to check bait stations or spray for insects might be worth the peace of mind. But often, maintaining a clean property and reacting quickly to any sightings is sufficient. By ensuring proper waste disposal and closing off entry points, you’ll minimise the likelihood of pests getting in and ensure any issue is nipped in the bud.  

Summer often means transition time in the rental world. Students are moving out after the academic year, families may be relocating during school holidays, and many fixed-term contracts end in July/August. Even if your tenancy isn’t ending, mid-year can be a natural point for a “check-in” inspection or a conversation about renewing for another term. In this section, we’ll cover how to manage tenancy transitions, from handling student turnovers, conducting mid-tenancy inspections, and dealing with deposit deductions, keeping things fair and smooth for both you and your tenants. 

If you rent to students, summer is likely your busiest time for changeovers. Most student tenancies end in June or July, with new ones starting in late summer or autumn. To manage this high-turnover period effectively, start planning early.  

• First, confirm the end dates of your current student tenancies and the start dates of the next ones, this will determine how much “void” period you have for maintenance.  

• Many landlords of student HMOs schedule a few weeks in summer for repairs, deep cleaning, and redecoration. It’s wise to inspect the property as soon as the students move out, ideally using the signed inventory/check-in report for comparison.  

• Common student house issues include leftover belongings, Blu-tack or tape marks on walls, furniture moved around, and gardens that became a jungle over exam season. Be thorough in documenting the move-out condition with photos; this will be essential if you need to propose any deposit deductions for cleaning or damage. 

• Gardens often cause dispute at student checkout; tenants might argue that some overgrowth is just due to summer season. Still, adjudicators allow for seasonal differences in garden condition, so you should only claim if the garden is clearly neglected beyond reasonable growth. If the inventory noted the garden was tidy and “in seasonal order” at check-in, and now it’s knee-high in weeds with litter, that’s a justifiable deduction (with evidence). But if it’s just a bit more overgrown because it’s August compared to October, that could be considered normal seasonal change. Being fair and understanding these nuances will help avoid disputes.  

• It’s often helpful to give student tenants a check-out guide a month or two before they leave, highlighting things like: dispose of all rubbish, take all belongings (don’t forget the contents of the fridge/freezer!), return furniture to original positions, weed the garden, etc. The more they do, the less you’ll have to do and the fewer deposit issues arise. 

• If your student property will be empty for a few weeks or months over summer, take steps to secure it. An empty house can attract break-ins or squatters. Consider installing burglar alarm and ensure all locks are sturdy.  

• Visit the property periodically to collect any post (piled-up mail is a giveaway that nobody’s home) and to check everything is okay.  

• Use this vacancy to do any major improvements such as painting walls, steam-cleaning carpets, replacing worn mattresses or desks, etc. Student rentals often benefit from an annual refresh due to heavy wear.  

• If you upgrade anything, keep the receipts; they can be tax-deductible as maintenance or improvement costs.  

• And remember to inform your insurer if the property will be vacant beyond the period allowed in your landlord insurance policy (commonly 30 or 60 days). You might need to take additional precautions like turning off water at the mains to prevent leaks, or draining heating systems, for long voids, and check your policy’s unoccupied property conditions. 

• When the new student tenants arrive in late summer, make sure to conduct a thorough check-in with a detailed inventory. This sets the baseline for the next tenancy and protects both you and them. Provide all the required paperwork at the start. Taking these steps will set up the new tenancy for success and minimise the chance of disputes when next summer rolls around. 

TDS Tip: If a departing student asks whether they can leave some stuff over summer for next year – e.g. “Can I keep my mini-fridge in the garage until September?” – think carefully. Allowing it might inadvertently extend their tenancy or cause issues if you need the space. It may be kinder to firmly insist they remove everything, or offer short-term storage at a cost, rather than risk complications. 

For longer-term tenancies, the summer midpoint is a natural time to perform a mid-tenancy inspection if you haven’t done one yet this year. Regular inspections are crucial to spot maintenance issues and ensure the property is being cared for.  

First, remember that tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, so always give proper notice of an inspection. By law you must give at least 24 hours’ notice in writing for access, but in practice, give at least a week’s notice to be courteous. Send a friendly email proposing a date and time, and be willing to adjust if the tenant has a scheduling conflict. Explain that this is a routine mid-year check to make sure everything is okay with the property, it’s as much for their benefit as yours, to catch any issues early. 

When you conduct the inspection, have a standard checklist of things to look at (many of which we covered in the maintenance section).  

Check each room’s condition, test smoke/CO alarms, look for signs of damp or leaks, ensure appliances are working, and note any tenant damage or breaches of the tenancy (like an unauthorised pet or smoking evidence). If you do spot something like a maintenance issue, discuss it with the tenant politely. A collaborative approach shows you’re proactive and can actually encourage tenants to take better care going forward. 

In some cases, a tenant might be unresponsive or even refuse an inspection.  

If a tenant doesn’t respond to your notice, try to reach out through multiple channels (email, phone, text). They might have missed a letter or not gotten around to replying. However, if a tenant outright declines access, stay calm and professional. You cannot force entry without risking legal trouble. It may help to emphasise that the inspection is to ensure the property’s safety and address any tenant concerns, not to snoop. Often, a bit of reassurance goes a long way. If you truly suspect something is very wrong (e.g., the tenant is hiding significant damage or illegal activity), and they refuse access, you might need to seek advice. One option is our free mid-tenancy mediation service to help resolve such stalemates. Professional mediators can assist in communicating with the tenant to arrange a visit. 

Assuming the inspection happens and is completed, make notes for your records. If there are action items (e.g., “bathroom extractor fan faulty, call electrician” or “tenant to deep-clean oven which is very dirty”), follow up in writing so everyone is clear on what was agreed. This creates a paper trail should any issue go unresolved by end of tenancy.  

Most tenants actually appreciate a well-run inspection, because it results in things getting fixed. It also gives them a chance to mention issues they might have hesitated to report. For instance, a tenant might say, “We don’t use the side door because the lock sticks.” Now you can fix that minor issue before it becomes a bigger one (or a complaint). 

TDS Tip: Just remember: always get permission with proper notice, be thorough but fair in your assessment, and promptly address the maintenance items you discover. This will set the tone that you’re a responsible landlord and expect tenants to be responsible in return. 

Nobody likes disputes! They’re time-consuming and can damage landlord-tenant relations. By mid-year, you can take steps to prevent deposit disputes later, especially if you already foresee some issues. Communication is your best ally here; if your tenancy is ending in the next month or two, consider having a chat or sending a note to the tenants about move-out expectations. TDS and other deposit schemes find the top causes of deposit disputes are cleaning, damage, and redecoration costs, followed by gardening and rent arrears. You can pre-empt many of these by setting expectations now. For instance, remind tenants that they should return the property in the same state of cleanliness as at the start (allowing for normal wear-and-tear). If they’ve lived there a while, they might need a reminder of how clean it was originally, offering to send a copy of the inventory or some check-in photos can be a polite way to illustrate the standard. Some landlords even provide a recommended cleaning checklist or offer names of professional cleaners (especially useful for students who may prefer to hire it out). 

TDS Tip: Always distinguish between fair wear-and-tear vs actual damage. Fair wear (like lightly worn carpet or faded paint) is not something you charge the tenant for, that’s part of renting out a property. But avoidable or negligent damage (like a burn mark or a big stain on that carpet) could be chargeable. A tenant who accidentally stained the carpet might agree to try a professional carpet clean at their expense now, which could fully resolve the issue well before move-out. 

One area that causes confusion is decorating and alterations. If mid-tenancy you discover the tenant has painted a wall bright blue without permission or put up dozens of wall stickers, address it sooner rather than later. Remind them gently what the contract says, that typically that they should not redecorate without consent. You can come to an agreement: perhaps they will repaint it back to neutral before leaving, and get that in writing. Then you won’t be stuck later arguing over a redecoration deduction.  

The same goes for any unauthorised fixtures. Has the tenant installed a shelf or a TV bracket? If you’re okay with it, fine, note it stays. If not, ask them to remove and restore the wall, or inform them you’ll have to deduct to restore it yourself. Clarity now avoids conflict later! 

Open communication and early intervention are the secret to avoiding deposit disputes. Use the mid-year point to clear the air of any potential contentions: fix what can be fixed, remind about what needs care, and document everything. Your future self and your tenants will thank you when move-out time comes with no drama. 

Summer isn’t just about properties, it’s also when people take holidays. Both you and your tenants might be planning to be away, so it’s important to prepare so that everything runs smoothly. Let’s consider a few scenarios and tips: 

It’s common for tenants to take a week or two away during summer (sometimes longer if they’re students or going on an extended trip). An empty property can face risks like burglaries, undetected leaks, or other emergencies. It pays to engage with your tenants in advance about what you expect when they leave the home vacant. Encourage them to inform you if they’ll be away for more than, say, 14 days. You don’t need a full itinerary, but knowing “the flat will be empty from August 10–25” is very useful. This way, if something happens (alarm goes off, or a neighbour reports a leak), you can act knowing the tenants aren’t around.  

TDS Tip: Suggest to your tenants some basic prep steps before travel: double-check that all doors and windows are locked (including side gates or sheds), and that any alarm is set. If the property has an alarm, ensure they know how to use it and emphasise you’d like it armed when they’re away for security. 

Often, neighbours are happy to help with little things like moving post out of sight, putting bins out on collection day, or just generally watching for anything amiss. If tenants aren’t comfortable asking neighbours, maybe they have a local friend or family member who can stop by occasionally. Whoever is watching the place should have your contact info, and you theirs, in case something goes wrong. It’s a good idea for tenants to leave heating off (or very low if a cool spell is expected – though in British summer that’s rarely an issue) and perhaps turn off the water stopcock if they’ll be away for an extended period. This can prevent water damage in case a pipe or appliance fails while they’re away.  

TDS Tip: Some tenants might ask, “Can you keep an eye on the house while we’re gone?” If you’re local and willing, you could agree to do a brief check, but remember you still need their permission to enter even if they’re away. Get clear agreement on what you will do. That can be mutually beneficial, just don’t abuse the access by doing anything beyond the agreed scope. 

What if you are the one going on holiday? Being a landlord is a 24/7 responsibility, but you’re allowed a break too! The key is to have an emergency plan for when you’re unreachable. If you use a letting or managing agent, inform them of your absence and verify they have authority to handle issues on your behalf. If you’re a self-managed landlord, arrange a trusted person to be on call. This could be a friend, a family member, or a professional property manager on a temporary basis. Provide your tenants with that person’s contact details and explain that during certain dates, they should reach out to that emergency contact for urgent repairs or issues. There’s nothing worse for a tenant than a sudden leak or power outage and their landlord not replying for days.  

Also, consider services that offer emergency cover plans. TDS for instance, has a partnership for emergency repair cover insurance, which sends contractors 24/7 for things like boiler breakdowns or plumbing leaks. If you have such a policy, make sure tenants have the helpline number and know what’s covered. If not, at least leave them numbers for critical trades and agree on a protocol (e.g., “If it’s an emergency like fire or major leak, call the emergency services or appropriate contractor immediately, then inform my stand-in contact”). 

TDS Tip: Communication is essential! Send a quick email to tenants saying, “I will be on holiday from X to Y. During that time, please contact [Name] at [Phone/Email] for any urgent issues. I will have limited access to email but will check in periodically.” This reassures tenants that they won’t be abandoned if something goes wrong. 

Summer also unfortunately sees opportunistic crime. Ensure that things like outdoor lights or motion sensors are functioning and encourage tenants to use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance of occupancy. A cheap plug-in timer that turns a lamp on for a few hours in the evening can deter burglars who might otherwise target a dark, empty-looking house. Some modern security tech (like smart doorbell cameras or CCTV) can help but only consider installing these in common areas, like outside the front door, for example, and with respect for tenant privacy and data laws.  

If a property will be vacant for more than 30 days, check your landlord insurance policy, many require notification and may impose conditions, such as turning off water and draining systems or having regular inspections. If your tenant is away for that long, you might have to step in to meet those insurance conditions, with agreement made in advance with your tenants. 

Encourage tenants to communicate travel plans but also respect their privacy. They are not obligated to tell you personal details, so explaining it as a safety concern may help. Perhaps mention in an email: “If you’re planning to leave the property vacant for more than 2 weeks, do let me know so we can work together to keep it safe.” Many tenants will comply understanding the mutual benefit. 

By taking the time to run through these mid-year checks, you’re reducing the risk of unexpected issues later on. Staying organised now helps protect your property, keep tenants happy, and avoid costly mistakes down the line. Here’s to a smooth, stress-free summer of letting! 

Visit our TDS Help Centre to find more guides, tools and templates, all designed to make the life of a landlord easier. Some of our resources are only available to landlords who use the free deposit protection scheme at  TDS Custodial or the insured scheme at TDS Insured. You can access all templates, tools and the full tenancy deposit management dashboard by joining the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.