Do you have to put deposits in a deposit scheme for room lets?
I am going to start letting rooms for which I will be taking a two weeks deposit.
Do I have to put the deposit in a deposit scheme?
My friend rents rooms and she finds most tenants just pay up to the last week withholding the last two weeks weeks rent to make sure they get their deposit back which I know is wrong as the idea is to check the room for damage then if all is OK they should get the deposit back.
How do you make the tenant pay up to the last day if they decide they will withhold the rent?
Any help on this matter will be appreciated.
Thanks
Joanne
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Comments: 126 - Articles: 2
10:24 AM, 23rd September 2013, About 13 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “23/09/2013 – 08:45“:
Joanne
Do you offer any ‘services’ with the rooms – laundry, cleaning, food?
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 4
12:30 PM, 23rd September 2013, About 13 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “23/09/2013 – 08:45“:
Hii Mark
Yes they do , good point. And maybe no the ones what travel from job to job but I presume they all must have a postal address or box , interesting will find out ,
So what you are possible saying if some one has another postal address other than my house it would not be there permanent residence .? Because they would not go on the electoral role. ?
This is all still a grey area is it not ,
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
1:13 PM, 23rd September 2013, About 13 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Joanne Morgan” at “23/09/2013 – 12:30“:
Hi Joanne
Dave’s question is also very relevant. If you also provide services it is very black and white that deposit protection is not required. If not then yes, it’s more of a grey area.
From what you have said so far, the correct basis of tenancy appears to be a licence, not a tenancy agreement and not a lodgers agreement.
Remember, the onus of proof is on you. Therefore, if you let on the basis of licence and the person occupying your property claims to be a tenant then you will have to prove otherwise. Think very carefully how you will do that if required.
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 201
2:59 PM, 23rd September 2013, About 13 years ago
under the circumstances outlined by Joanne Morgan, could the statutory scheme be used voluntarily?
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
3:01 PM, 23rd September 2013, About 13 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Jay Jay” at “23/09/2013 – 14:59“:
Yes, probably but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially as on of the worries is tenants disappearing without paying the last few weeks rent. It would be incredibly difficult to get the money back from the DPS on this basis because the tenants would be highly unlikely to consent to the release even if you could track them down