Deposit Protection Service > Claims and disputes > What adjudicators do
Adjudicators are legally trained specialists who consider the claim being made, review the dispute evidence provided and make a decision based on that evidence. They're completely unbiased and use the information from both tenant and landlord to decide “on a balance of probabilities” whether the claim is justified.
Frequently asked questions:
How long does it take for the adjudicator to make a decision?
It varies, depending on the factors involved, but it normally takes up to 15 business days from the adjudicator receiving all the evidence. In some cases, adjudicators may need more evidence or clarification from either party outside these deadlines, which will increase the time taken to adjudicate.
After the adjudicator has considered the evidence and decided how to award the disputed funds, we'll send their decision to you and your tenant.
What if you're unhappy with the adjudicator's decision?
Any decision the adjudicator makes is final and legally binding. However, if you think the adjudicator has made a clear error of fact or law, you can raise a complaint.
What if the adjudicator can’t make a decision?
In rare cases, the adjudicator may decide the case would be better dealt with through a formal court process – for example, a case involving police. If there are ongoing court proceedings between the parties, the adjudicator won't be able to consider the dispute. The Court has a higher authority and the adjudicator will need to wait for the Court's decision before considering the deposit dispute.
The adjudicator can also reject a dispute if they feel either party is pursuing the claim unreasonably or being frivolous.
Additionally, if the volume or type of evidence submitted is particularly large or complex, or the issues raised aren't suitable for this form of dispute resolution, the adjudicator may decide they're unable to make a decision.