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Landlords advised not to take deposits from tenants
A new statement by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has advised landlords to take two months' rent in advance from tenants rather than a deposit.
The new advice has been refuted by the Deposit Protection Service, (DPS) as concerns mount this could leave landlords without any protection should the tenants damage the property in any way.
The DPS is the custodial tenancy deposit protection scheme accredited by the government. It is provided free of charge, and funded entirely by the interest earned from deposits held in the scheme.
Kevin Firth, director of the DPS said: “The DPS feels very strongly that the RLA has failed to fully consider the consequences of this advice.
“Simply taking two months' rent in advance in lieu of the last two months' rent, is inadequate.
“During the final eight weeks of the tenancy, what motivation will the tenant have to ensure that the property is properly maintained?
“It is simply common sense that a landlord will be better protected with a deposit.
“We would strongly advise all landlords to better safeguard themselves and their properties by ensuring that their tenants pay a deposit, which can then be safeguarded for the duration of the tenancy,” Mr Firth went on to say.
The DPS has an online self-service which allows landlords to register and make deposit payments, transfers and repayments 24 hours a day, and help and advice is available through a dedicated call centre during office hours.
An independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service helps to resolve any disputes quickly and without the need for court action.
For more information, visit www.depositprotection.com.
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