Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

TDS Announces Leadership Change as Steve Harriott Retires

The Dispute Service (TDS), a government-approved tenancy deposit protection provider, has announced that chief executive Steve Harriott will retire after 16 years in the role. Jacqueline Starr will succeed Harriott at the end of 2026.

During Harriott’s tenure, TDS expanded its dispute resolution services and invested in digital technology to modernise its operations. TDS is one of three government-approved schemes that landlords and letting agents must use to protect tenant deposits in England and Wales.

The leadership transition comes as the private rented sector continues to adjust to regulatory changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force less than three months ago. The sector is also experiencing ongoing digital transformation and increased regulatory requirements for landlords.

Jacqueline Starr joins TDS from the Rail Delivery Group, where she has served as chief executive since 2020 and more recently as executive chair. She has experience leading customer-focused organisations through operational and digital transformation, and holds governance roles within the housing sector.

A formal handover process will take place to ensure continuity as TDS transitions to new leadership under the evolving regulatory framework for the private rented sector.