By Tony Booth

So, despite numerous delays and after what seems to have been an interminable consultation and contemplation period, tenancy deposit schemes (TDS's) are finally due to begin in April 2007.

Once introduced, most landlords and their agents will be prohibited from accepting tenant deposits, unless they follow the strict regulations laid down by government.

The anticipated main impact of TDS legislation is that it will reduce - if not completely eliminate - the longstanding history of complaints (from tenants) that landlords have a nasty habit of making unfair and exaggerated dilapidation deductions from the surety deposit at the end of a tenancy.

This situation reminds me of what happens whenever a new tax law is introduced ... someone always pops out from the shadows claiming they have found a loophole.