New laws to protecttenants welcomed

The Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme takes effect from April 6. It will mean that all new deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must be protected. All landlords will have to be in a government-approved scheme. Those who don't comply will face sanctions. These include having to pay three times the amount of the deposit to the tenant if the money is not in an approved scheme.

Advisors at Bognor Regis Citizen's Advice Bureau are pleased that deposits will be protected. They have been long aware of the disputes which can currently arise.

They have helped at least five local people this month in getting back all or some of their deposit.

In one case, the landlord threatened court action over the condition of a carpet after the tenant had left after initially approving the property's condition. Another instance saw a tenant have to take a landlord to court to get the deposit returned.

CAB manager Vicki Brown said such situations showed how little protection a tenant had if a landlord decided to keep some or all of the deposit.

'This new law will directly benefit thousands of tenants who face problems getting their deposit returned,' she commented.

'So, tenants who are renewing your tenancy or starting a new one after April 6 should ask their landlord or agent which tenancy deposit protection scheme they are part of.

'The deposit will only be protected after April 6 if a landland has signed up to tenancy deposit protection.

'Anyone who is currently renting and having a problem getting their deposit back, should come to the CAB in Clarence Road for advice.'

The average rental deposit nationally last year was 526.

Seven out of ten deposits were returned in full, 19pc returned in part and 11pc withheld.