The Housing Act 2004 made provision for
both the protection of tenancy deposits and a resolution of disputes over their
return. From 6th April 2007 all deposits for Assured Shorthold Tenancies must be
held under a scheme authorized by the government.
The Housing Act 2004
made provision for both the protection of tenancy deposits and a resolution of
disputes over their return. From 6th April 2007 all deposits for Assured
Shorthold Tenancies must be held under a scheme authorized by the government.
This applies to new and renewed tenancies commencing after that date. There are
three approved schemes available: The Deposit Protection Service, Tenancy
Deposit Solutions and the TDS run by The Dispute Service.
Landlords who
do not comply with the legislation cannot regain possession of their property
using the usual Section 21 Notice. Furthermore the tenant can apply for a court
order requiring the landlord to repay the monies held or safeguard the deposit
under the Custodial Scheme. The court will also order the Landlord to pay the
tenant a fine of three times the value of the deposit.
Plaza Estates took
part in the trial scheme set up in 2003 by the Dispute Service for ARLA members
and have enrolled as full members of the TDS scheme. We are pleased to be
able to offer this service to our clients without extra charge to them (unless
there is a dispute when a nominal administration fee is payable). The scheme is working well although it has involved considerable work for us to ensure
our Tenancy Agreements comply with the strict requirements stipulated by the
Government to ensure all tenancies are registered and certificates are given
to each tenant. The arbitration service will only accept cases where it can be proved that every effort has been made by the parties to resolve the dispute first themselves.
Fiona Guthrie
Residential Lettings
Director
Knightsbridge Office