News and Events
How TDS, SCO, and Safe House are raising standards in the private rented sector
Author: Beth Jones
The UK's private rented sector holds billions in tenant deposits and houses millions of people, but too many face money shocks they're not ready for. Disputes over damage or rent can turn stressful fast. The three-way partnership between TDS, SCO, and Safe House Insurance can take that stress away – bringing protection, education, and real social good right when it's needed.
Why this partnership matters now
TDS protects deposits for millions as the UK's only not-for-profit operator among the three government-licensed schemes. It resolves tens of thousands of disputes yearly, often with free mediation to avoid court fights. But protecting the deposit is just the start – what about the homes, possessions and incomes for landlords? That's where Safe House steps in, supported by SCO's customer expertise – helping to guide tenants and landlords to get the insurance protection that’s right for them.
From deposit protection to full home protection
Under 40% of renters have contents cover and many landlords skip rent protection too. This leaves everyone exposed to accidents like property damage or unpaid rent.
Our three-way partnership meets people at the tenancy moment – through TDS campaigns, deposit chats, and the TLYFE app. We offer simple insurance that fits real life: toggle on insurance for jewellery or rent guarantee. Choose to sign up online or chat with a UK agent who explains it plainly. Customers are not tied-in to contracts and can cancel anytime.
How the three partners work together
TDS: Brings PRS know-how, social impact focus, and government backing. The TDS team introduce Safe House Insurance at the moment tenants and landlords may need it most.
SCO: Handles customer service with the highest level of governance - ISO/IEC: 27001 accredited, PCI DSS certified and FCA authorised, and agents trained to deliver excellent customer service.
Safe House (via Paymentshield): Curated five-star Defaqto policies that match tenancy needs.
TDS social impact framework in action
TDS measures success across five areas: stronger communities, less inequality, education, wellbeing, and equal chances. Safe House helps by:
- Cutting disputes through better cover (e.g., accidental damage claims).
- Educating renters on risks like theft or pet damage.
- Building financial resilience for stable tenancies.
- Fewer uninsured losses mean less stress and escalation.
Matching Renters' Rights Act changes
New rules like the Renters' Rights Act make things like having pets and longer tenancies easier. We support this with specialist cover for tenants and rent guarantee for landlords. Insurance becomes part of fairer renting, not an add-on.
Built to scale with trust
SCO is well established, supporting some of the UK’s biggest businesses and has the skills and infrastructure that will enable Safe House Insurance to grow quickly. The partnership with TDS adds real credibility and we have ambitious plans for growth in 2026 and beyond.
This is the second instalment in our 12-week series on better PRS insurance. Follow us for customer stories next.
Safe House Insurance, part of Step Change Outsourcing (SCO), offers simple PRS insurance via its partnership with TDS, and a five-star Defaqto panel of insurance providers. Flexible cover with UK agents or online signup ensuring customers get the policy that’s right for them.
How TDS, SCO, and Safe House are raising standards in the private rented sector
Author: Beth Jones
The UK's private rented sector holds billions in tenant deposits and houses millions of people, but too many face money shocks they're not ready for. Disputes over damage or rent can turn stressful fast. The three-way partnership between TDS, SCO, and Safe House Insurance can take that stress away – bringing protection, education, and real social good right when it's needed.
Why this partnership matters now
TDS protects deposits for millions as the UK's only not-for-profit operator among the three government-licensed schemes. It resolves tens of thousands of disputes yearly, often with free mediation to avoid court fights. But protecting the deposit is just the start – what about the homes, possessions and incomes for landlords? That's where Safe House steps in, supported by SCO's customer expertise – helping to guide tenants and landlords to get the insurance protection that’s right for them.
From deposit protection to full home protection
Under 40% of renters have contents cover and many landlords skip rent protection too. This leaves everyone exposed to accidents like property damage or unpaid rent.
Our three-way partnership meets people at the tenancy moment – through TDS campaigns, deposit chats, and the TLYFE app. We offer simple insurance that fits real life: toggle on insurance for jewellery or rent guarantee. Choose to sign up online or chat with a UK agent who explains it plainly. Customers are not tied-in to contracts and can cancel anytime.
How the three partners work together
TDS: Brings PRS know-how, social impact focus, and government backing. The TDS team introduce Safe House Insurance at the moment tenants and landlords may need it most.
SCO: Handles customer service with the highest level of governance - ISO/IEC: 27001 accredited, PCI DSS certified and FCA authorised, and agents trained to deliver excellent customer service.
Safe House (via Paymentshield): Curated five-star Defaqto policies that match tenancy needs.
TDS social impact framework in action
TDS measures success across five areas: stronger communities, less inequality, education, wellbeing, and equal chances. Safe House helps by:
- Cutting disputes through better cover (e.g., accidental damage claims).
- Educating renters on risks like theft or pet damage.
- Building financial resilience for stable tenancies.
- Fewer uninsured losses mean less stress and escalation.
Matching Renters' Rights Act changes
New rules like the Renters' Rights Act make things like having pets and longer tenancies easier. We support this with specialist cover for tenants and rent guarantee for landlords. Insurance becomes part of fairer renting, not an add-on.
Built to scale with trust
SCO is well established, supporting some of the UK’s biggest businesses and has the skills and infrastructure that will enable Safe House Insurance to grow quickly. The partnership with TDS adds real credibility and we have ambitious plans for growth in 2026 and beyond.
This is the second instalment in our 12-week series on better PRS insurance. Follow us for customer stories next.
Safe House Insurance, part of Step Change Outsourcing (SCO), offers simple PRS insurance via its partnership with TDS, and a five-star Defaqto panel of insurance providers. Flexible cover with UK agents or online signup ensuring customers get the policy that’s right for them.