The TDS Charitable Foundation has published its 2023-2024 Annual Review, which gives detailed information about the new and ongoing projects of the Foundation. Some of these projects have had a wide impact over the last year, receiving interest from government, key stakeholders, and the press.
The Foundation exists to raise the standards in the private rented sector (PRS) by offering education and information to tenants, landlords, and agents, both directly and through grants to other organizations. Primarily funded by donations from The Dispute Service, the TDS Foundation undertakes its own initiatives and supports external projects that focus on landlords' obligations and tenants' responsibilities.
One ongoing project of the Foundation, the Voice of the Tenant survey, is the process being established as a key data source for the sector. Starting in 2022, this regular survey of 2,000 tenants assesses views and experiences of private renting. Four waves have been carried out to date, the last in March 2024, with a total of 8,000 tenants having taken part in the research. In 2023-2024, the tenant survey has seen strong engagement through subsequent press releases, with findings covered in the Sunday Times, BBC Money Talk, the Evening Standard, Sky Radio, LBC Radio and various industry press outlets. The survey has also been cited in the CIH cost of living report and the Government’s response to the select committee report on the now dropped Renters Reform Bill. Most recently, findings from the research were mentioned by Olly Glover, Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage, during the debate on the Renters’ Rights Bill in parliament.
Another project, the “My Housing Issue” Gateway website, has also generated interest. A number of workshops have been delivered to key stakeholders to demonstrate the functionality of the website, and it has received much positive feedback. Supporters include national housing charities and advice services, ombudsman services, letting industry bodies, and some government departments. The “My Housing Issue” Gateway website is being launched in the House of Commons in early December 2024.
The TDS Charitable Foundation's 2023-2024 Annual Review highlights its contributions to raising standards in the private rented sector. Through impactful projects like the Voice of the Tenant survey and the "My Housing Issue" Gateway website, the Foundation continues to work for meaningful change. These initiatives have not only informed key stakeholders but also influenced policy discussions and gained national recognition.
About the TDS Charitable Foundation
The TDS Charitable Foundation exists to raise standards in the private rented sector. This objective is delivered mainly by the Foundation funding projects which help tenants, agents and landlords better understand their rights and obligations as well as the use of various dispute resolution services.
The TDS Charitable Foundation operates in England and Wales. In Scotland a sister charity (the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust) undertakes similar work to raise standards in the Scottish private rented sector
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