Mydeposits.co.uk, the pay-as-you-go insurance-based tenancy deposit protection scheme, has told buy to let landlords in the private rented sector that it has no plans to increase prices during 2010 despite an announcement by The Dispute Service (TDS) that its costs are going up by 23 percent.

Eddie Hooker, Chief Executive, mydeposits.co.uk, said: “Landlord users of mydeposits are already benefiting from a VAT price freeze at 2009 levels. Today I can reassure the vast bulk of our agent users that we have no plans for any price rises during 2010.

“We think this is the least we can do to support the private-rented sector as it emerges from a very difficult and volatile period.

“This announcement by TDS has raised eyebrows across the sector. I believe the new ‘two-fee instalment’ model, with the second instalment linked to the number of agent protections requiring Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), should be approached with care.

“Last year’s TDS decision to only accept ‘accredited’ agents was intended to reduce the risk and cost of protecting deposits. Their announcement yesterday of a hefty price increase suggests this approach is not working.

“Letting agents are likely to be frustrated as they can expect further price increases if they are unlucky enough to experience more disputes. This could be the first step along the road to charging for ADR.”

• Your Move claims to have become the largest estate agency in Britain following the acquisition of 101 branches of Halifax Estate Agents.

David Newnes, managing director of Your Move, said, “This deal has rocketed us into the number one spot.

Our online presence has also been strengthened. That’s great news for sellers and landlords who want to maximise their properties’ exposure online.

“The impact of the deal on the business will also be massive. It reinforces our residential sales and lettings business.”