Landlord spared fine in deposit dispute

News Category: Legal

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A landlord has escaped a fine of over £1,500 despite delivering his tenancy deposit papers beyond the legal deadline.

The unnamed Sheffield property owner was spared the charge, which equates to three times the deposit, after his appeal against an earlier decision was approved.

He was brought up on charges after he registered a deposit with the TDS/Dispute Service Scheme but did not informing the tenant within the statutory 14 days.

His case had been backed by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), which has called on landlords to ensure they comply with regulations or risk facing similar charges.

Richard Jones, the RLA's lawyer, said: "After careful consideration of complex Housing Act provisions the judge ruled that information being given late did not mean that the penalty was payable because the information had been provided before the tenant submitted his application.

"To now have case law on our side comes as a welcome relief."

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