New tenant deposit dispute guidelines for landlords

New tenant deposit dispute guidelines for landlords

8:37 AM, 7th May 2011, About 13 years ago

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Guide to Tenancy Deposit front coverLandlords and tenants locked in disputes over keeping rental deposits can take advice about negotiating a settlement from a new guide, jointly published by the three deposit protection agencies.

‘Guide to Tenancy Deposits, Disputes and Damages’ explains what the evidence adjudicators look for when considering a complaint and the principles that underline their decisions.

The guide pools information that the schemes have collated from 47,000 disputed deposits since the government launched deposit protection laws in April 2007.

One scheme manager explained all three groups follow the same standards for deciding disputes, so landlords and tenants have a fair deal whoever holds the deposit.

Fair deal for landlords and tenants

Eddie Hooker, of my|deposits, said: “While we are all competitors, we do not compete on dispute resolution. All schemes follow the same principles and standards when dealing with deposit issues. Landlords and tenants should be able to understand the processes regardless of which scheme they use and expect a fair outcome to their dispute.”

Content discusses how to avoid disputes, the types of evidence accepted by adjudicators and how to deal with common problems such as wear and tear.

Improved standards for letting industry

This is the first time all three schemes have worked together to publish educational information which is aimed at landlords, letting agents and tenants.

Kevin Firth, director of The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS), the custodial scheme, said: “This guide represents a significant benefit for tenants, landlords and letting agents and is another example of how tenancy deposit legislation has acted to improve standards in the lettings industry.

“Anyone can get hold of a copy for free and understand for themselves how disputes are adjudicated, potentially helping them avoid these situations in the future.”

Download a free copy of the guide from www.mydeposits.co.uk/document/mydep_DDD_ADR.pdf


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