By Tony Booth

Tenancy deposit disputes are likely to occur more frequently as the year rolls on, because the new deposit protection rules mean landlords and tenants have no choice but to use the formal dispute resolution service if they cannot agree on dilapidation costs.

But how does this system work, how long does it take and what level of satisfaction can landlords expect at the end of the process?

The days when landlords were free to make unilateral decisions over the level of deduction from their tenant's deposit are over.

The introduction of tenancy deposit protection (TDP) schemes means landlords and their agents (if any) must now follow a strict procedure at the end of tenancy - and seek to reach an agreement with their tenants over how much will be withheld for damage costs and other associated charges.