Tenancy Deposit Scheme:

From the 6th April 2007 the government propose that all deposits taken by landlords and agents on Assured Shorthold Tenancies in England and Wales (being the vast majority of tenancies) must be protected by a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
       
From this date landlords and their agents should ensure that tenants are provided with the particulars of the scheme when signing the tenancy agreement. Tenants are recommended to request such information.

The Dispute Service confirm that it will be very difficult under the new Tenancy Deposit Scheme legislation to demonstrate that the condition of the property has deteriorated during the tenancy if you do not have an inventory and a schedule of condition at the commencement and termination of the tenancy.

Under such circumstances the deposit may be automatically awarded to the tenant.

For further information on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and its administration please visit our Links page