The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has announced an exciting new integration with EstatesIT, a cloud-based CRM software designed to enhance the experience of agents involved in selling, letting, and managing properties. This integration tackles a common challenge that agents face: duplicating deposit data from CRM systems to deposit scheme platforms. This manual process has often been time-consuming and prone to error, adding unnecessary administrative tasks to agents’ already full plates.
With the introduction of the TDS API, agents can now automate the transfer of deposit data, eliminating the need for manual input and ensuring a more streamlined process. This marks a significant milestone for EstatesIT, simplifying how letting agents manage tenancy deposits.
More than just a CRM
EstatesIT has a rich history dating back to 1998, when it was co-founded by John Roberts and Nigel Stanley. Initially designed to cater to the needs of estate agents, the platform draws on Stanley’s experience as an IT-savvy letting agent and Roberts’ background in developing accounting software for large companies.
Today, EstatesIT is much more than just a CRM; it’s an all-in-one property management solution. The platform combines powerful features for sales, lettings, property management, and client accounting, making it possible for agents to manage every aspect of their business from a single, user-friendly interface. From collecting rents and paying landlords to liaising with accountants and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, EstatesIT helps agents run their businesses more efficiently.
How the TDS integration benefits letting agents and tenants
The integration with TDS is a game-changer for letting agents. With TDS directly integrated into the EstatesIT CRM system, agents can now automate the deposit process and stay on top of deadlines and documentation more easily. John Roberts, Co-founder of EstatesIT, explains:
“Integrating with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme is a critical feature for our CRM system, and it significantly benefits both our business and our customers. Letting agents need to ensure compliance with tenancy deposit protection regulations. By offering a seamless integration with TDS, we help our clients effortlessly manage deposits, making it much easier to stay on top of key deadlines and documentation. The automation reduces the risk of human error, which can lead to disputes or even non-compliance. Additionally, with TDS integrated directly into our CRM, agents can provide their tenants with a higher level of service by ensuring transparency and quick resolution of deposit-related issues.”
For tenants, this integration promotes trust and security. By knowing their deposits are managed by TDS, tenants can feel confident that the process is transparent and fair. As Roberts puts it:
“Tenants can see their deposits are handled correctly. Knowing their funds are safely managed by TDS, tenants can feel confident that the process is transparent and fair, making for a better overall experience. Ultimately, the TDS integration enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and legal compliance of our CRM system. We encourage letting agents to focus more on growing their business and delivering exceptional service. It’s a win-win for both agents and tenants, and an essential part of the value we offer through our software.”
Debbie Davies on the TDS and EstatesIT collaboration
Debbie Davies, TDS Head of Sales and Client Success, also commented on the integration, highlighting how it will simplify deposit protection for letting agents:
“We are delighted to partner with EstatesIT on this integration, which significantly enhances the deposit protection process for letting agents. The collaboration with EstatesIT reflects our shared commitment to providing agents with innovative solutions that streamline their workflows while ensuring compliance. John, Nigel, and their team have been instrumental in developing a user-friendly CRM system that aligns perfectly with our goal of making deposit protection simple. By automating key tasks, this integration will save agents valuable time, reduce errors, and provide tenants with greater transparency and confidence in how their deposits are managed. We are proud to be part of this forward-thinking partnership with EstatesIT, and I’m excited to see how this will continue to benefit our customers and the property industry as a whole.”
Simplifying the deposit process with one click
John Roberts provided further insight into how the TDS integration works in practice:
“Our TDS integration allows for easy one-click deposit protection. The required information for the API request—the landlord, their property, and the incoming tenant—is already collected at the point of onboarding. We avoid duplication of effort with double data entry in multiple dashboards, avoiding potential mistakes. We provide reports weekly (optional daily) of deposits on hand and received from incoming tenants and their current protected status. Our dashboard shows the status of all deposits to all staff, with countdown reminders and warnings approaching the deadline for protecting them. Once a deposit is protected, the deposit status is communicated automatically to staff, landlord, and tenant.”
Time-Saving and compliance benefits for letting agents
Interested CRM providers can find out more about the integration process and added benefits of the integration on the TDS API information page.
If you are a letting agent and want to find out more information on how the TDS APIs could help you, contact us today via email: api_enquiries@tenancydepositscheme.com or give us a call on 0300 037 1000.
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