Tenancy Deposit Dispute

Tenancy Deposit Dispute

Landlords are required to put your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) if you rent your home on an assured short hold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007. There are specific rules that need to be complied with.

This ensures that you receive your deposit back provided that you;

• Meet the terms of the tenancy agreement
• Don’t damage the property
• Pay your rent and bills

At the end of your tenancy your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days of you both agreeing on how much money you will have returned, however this is usually where disputes arise.

Landlords will deduct from the deposit for a variety of reasons including;

• Outstanding rent and/or bills
• Direct damage to the property and its contents, including
• Cigarette burns
• Broken furniture
• Holes in walls
• Missing belongings that are the landlord’s
• Indirect damage to the property and its contents – for example, water damage caused by leaving a window open when the tenant is away for the weekend

Landlords cannot however, make deductions for disrepair that was their responsibility or for wear and tear which may include for example all marks, worn carpets.

If your landlord has not complied with the relevant rule. You may have a claim of up to three times the deposit.

This might also be relevant to possession proceedings on the basis of rent arrears and the validity of S21 notice.

Get in touch

Duncan Lewis landlord & tenant solicitors can also advise on alternatives to court action against a landlord, including help from the local council and dispute resolution.

Our team of Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise tenants in housing matters including disputes with the landlord involving tenancy deposits. Duncan Lewis will also fight for any damages a tenant may be owed as a result of a landlord failing to comply with tenancy deposit rules or carry out repairs to a rented property.

For expert legal advice on Landlord Dispute matters including Tenancy Deposit Disputes, call Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.