6 weeks backlog at the DPS?

On August the 16th 2018 I left rented accommodation to get back on the property ladder. I had been a good tenant and had a good working relationship with the landlord. All seemed well until the landlord decided to dispute the return of our deposit and on the 28th of August his complaint was logged with the Deposit Protection Service.

His claims for damage and missing items were ridiculous in the extreme, but he had lost his copy of the contract and inventory and therefore he couldn’t back up any of his claims I however did have a contact and inventory so could prove he was lying .

Even with such an open and shut case I am still waiting for the return of my deposit 5 months later, I thought the Deposit Protection Service was meant to speed up this process and root out dishonest landlords.

I have spoken to the Deposit Protection Service today and there is still a six week backlog and that it is looking like March when it will finally be resolved. I was wondering if anyone else (tenant or landlord) was receiving a similarly poor service.

Many thanks

Onslow