25 May 2011

my|deposits, the tenancy deposit protection scheme, is reminding university students how to get their deposit back and avoid a dispute with their landlord when they move out of rented accommodation for the summer.

More than one million students rent in the UK, and most will vacate their rental properties for the summer break from university.

A disagreement over cleaning and damage to property are the most likely causes of a dispute.  But students can take some simple steps to avoid potential problems.

• Speak to your landlord.  This is the most effective way to stop a minor disagreement becoming a formal dispute.  Almost 99% of tenancies end with no problems and communication between tenant and landlord is the key.

• Attend the check-out inspection.  Meet with the landlord and inspect the property together, and then come to an agreement over the deposit return.

• If you are still disappointed with the deposit return, you have three months from the end of the tenancy to raise a formal dispute with my|deposits.

• If you can’t work it out with the landlord, and dispute resolution is the only option, contact my|deposits on 0844 980 0290 or visit www.mydeposits.co.uk to let us know you wish to raise a dispute through the formal process.  Remember to visit the Tenant’s Section of the my|deposits website and enter your details to find out if your deposit is protected with us.

• Remember to keep as much evidence as possible and keep in mind if you do seek Alternative Dispute Resolution, the adjudicator’s decision is final. 

• Keep in mind you must ensure you don't break any terms in your tenancy agreement.  If you breach it, this could jeopardise the deposit return.

• And finally, read our handy Guide to Deposits, Disputes and Damages for tips and advice: http://tinyurl.com/3zhqtj6

Eddie Hooker, CEO of my|deposits, commented:

“It is in the interests of both the tenant and the landlord to avoid a dispute over the deposit, and by following these simple steps, both can often come to an agreement over the deposit refund.

“my|deposits is always available to give advice to students, and our online guide contains important information on dispute resolution and fair wear and tear.

“For landlords, we are the only scheme designed specifically to allow them to control the deposit throughout the tenancy, meaning in most cases they don’t have to involve us at the end of the tenancy.”

For more information about my|deposits and tenancy deposits, visit www.mydeposits.co.uk or call 0844 980 0290.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Dane Svenson
Press Officer
my|deposits.co.uk
E: dane.svenson@mydeposits.co.uk
T: 020 7840 8925
M: 07508 031 084

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About mydeposits.co.uk:

Mydeposits is the trading name of Tenancy Deposit Solutions Limited, a company jointly owned by the National Landlords Association and HFIS plc T/A Hamilton Fraser Insurance (the Scheme Administrator) to deliver an insurance-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme under contract from Communities & Local Government. Landlords and letting agents wishing to use this scheme are required to register with the Scheme Administrator. They can find out more and register by visiting www.mydeposits.co.uk. Registered members of the Scheme are able to protect and unprotect deposits at the beginning and end of tenancies. Fees are tax-deductible. In the event of a dispute at the end of the tenancy agreement, both parties are offered access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This procedure will be evidence-based, relying on documentation and records.