The ratio of deposit disputes in England & Wales is just over 1% according to official figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The Government figures show that of the seven million deposits (7,052,255) that have been protected since the launch of the legislation in 2007, only 91,802 have ended up requiring formal dispute adjudication – just 1.3%.
While some critics will wonder whether such hefty legislation was really worth it to crack such a minority problem, there have been relatively few complaints about deposit protection itself.
A total of 10,657 complaints about deposit protection and the service provided have been made to all three of the approved schemes in that time – equating to just under 1,800 complaints a year.
The figures were calculated by combining information provided by my|deposits, The Deposit Protection Service and The Dispute Service.
Eddie Hooker, chief executive of my|deposits, launched by the National Landlords Association, said: “Tenancy deposit protection was introduced to protect the tenant’s money so it is extremely encouraging to learn that only one per cent of tenants experience issues over the return of their deposit which they cannot sort out without the help of the schemes.
“It’s good news for tenants, as it shows the vast majority are happy with the return of their deposit at the end of the tenancy. It also shows that the relationship between landlord/agent and tenant is improving.”
The official government figures also show that the total number of deposits protected last year stood at 2,659,301, worth £2.6bn.
There are many things that both landlords and tenants can do to ensure that their deposit is handled without dispute at the end of the tenancy. Initially both parties agreeing the condition of the property, with video or photographed documentation, prior to the tenancy commencing, has by far the most crucial part to play in this. After all, this is in many cases forms the basis of any argument for deposit deductions and without this in place can leave a landlord or tenant with no proof to substantiate any argument they may have.
Here at Belvoir Lettings Corby, we offer an extensive DVD inventory service to all of our landlords and tenants as well as offer a comprehensive check out service at the end of each tenancy.
We pride ourselves in our thorough approach to deposits, from registering them on the day that they are received as well as providing a certificate to each tenant whose deposit remains within our care, to offer peace of mind to all of our clients.
To find out more about our inventory service, deposit disputes or anything else please do not hesitate to contact us on corby@belvoirlettings.com or 01536 267755.
