TDS has announced the launch of its TDS Academy 2026 training programme, combining its two Foundation courses into one, and its two Adjudication courses into one, alongside enhanced on-demand training developed by our partner, Inventory Hive.

Each of the TDS courses, together with the two Inventory Hive courses, have been CPD-accredited, and property professionals who successfully complete all four, may use the TDS Academy Approved Accreditation logo on their check-in and check-out reports for up to 18 months.

Starting July 2026, TDS Academy’s Foundation and Adjudication Workshop courses, now CPD registered, will be delivered via Zoom in a new format, with each running as a single, comprehensive three-hour session. The updated structure has been designed to provide letting agents, landlords and property professionals with more accessible and time-efficient training, helping them build confidence in deposit protection, improve compliance, negotiate deduction proposals and reduce the likelihood of disputes.

Training will be delivered by TDS in-house resolution experts from the adjudication team, ensuring that course content is grounded in real dispute experience and reflects the most common issues seen across the private rented sector.

Alongside these updates, Inventory Hive have revamped their on-demand inventory and inspection training courses, designed to help property professionals raise standards across the private rented sector (PRS). Now CPD registered, the courses are delivered by Tim Wakelin, who brings extensive expertise in inventory training and practical, real-world insight to each session.

The updated on-demand courses remain accessible at any time, offering flexibility for busy professionals while ensuring high-quality learning experiences. Each course is designed to guide inventory clerks, letting agents, property managers and landlords through best practice for inventory and inspection reporting at every stage of a tenancy, helping to make processes more consistent, compliant and effective.

The training is structured across two core modules. The first focuses on pre-tenancy activity and inventory check-in reports, providing an introduction to inventories alongside detailed guidance on best practice, terminology and what should be included in a report. The second module covers mid-term visits and end-of-tenancy check-outs, including legal and regulatory considerations, practical guidance, and insight into how reports are assessed during adjudication.

The courses also introduce key adjudication principles, including fair wear and tear and betterment, helping property professionals understand how evidence is evaluated and how to avoid common causes of dispute.

Richard Abbots, CEO of Inventory Hive, said:

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with TDS on these revamped courses. By combining Tim Wakelin’s expertise with our technology-driven approach, we’re helping property professionals deliver consistent, high-quality reports that protect both landlords and tenants.”

The TDS Foundation course provides an introduction to tenancy deposit protection, including legislation, scheme rules and best practice across the tenancy lifecycle, while the Adjudication Workshop equips professionals with the skills to resolve deposit issues early and negotiate deduction proposals, providing advanced insight into how cases are assessed, what evidence is required, and how to avoid common causes of dispute.

Sandy Bastin, Director of Resolution at TDS, said:

“Education is key to raising standards across the private rented sector and preventing disputes before they arise. Our CPD-accredited training brings together the expertise of our adjudication team into a more focused, accessible format, while our continued work with Inventory Hive ensures that professionals also have access to flexible, practical training that supports better outcomes across every stage of the tenancy.”

In 2024/25, TDS Academy delivered over 1,000 hours of training, supporting property professionals across the sector, with all attendees receiving certification that contributes towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

TDS Academy forms part of TDS’s wider commitment to supporting the sector through education, guidance and dispute prevention, helping to keep disputes low, with fewer than 1% of tenancies resulting in a dispute.

For more information and to enrol, visit https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/academy