Landlords losing out in deposit disputes

News Category: Legal

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Tenants in deposit disputes with landlords are winning hearings in nearly nine out of ten cases, it has been discovered.

According to mydeposits.co.uk, a deposit protection scheme authorised by the government, during July 2008 88 per cent of disputes ended with the tenants winning.

The majority of those cases which were awarded in favour of the landlord were those where the tenants had failed to stick to the terms of their rental agreement.

David Salusbury, chairman of mydeposits.co.uk, urged landlords to familiarise themselves with the mandatory tenancy deposit protection rules, under which landlords have to give reasons and evidence (if called upon) if they withhold some or all of the deposit.

He said: "Most tenancies end amicably but it is a two-way relationship. Most landlords behave fairly and only withhold deposits where necessary.

"But it's also incumbent on tenants to ensure they treat the property with respect and pay their rent on time. If tenants act according to the rules laid out in their agreements, a landlord has no right to withhold their deposit."

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