Students urged to be vigilant against rogue landlords

09 September 2009



Those moving to university for the first time need to make sure they do not fall foul of rogue landlords, the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) has stressed. They need to check their deposits are legally protected, which many students may not be aware of.

"We want to make sure students can get the most out of their time at university - and that means making sure that they are aware of their landlord's obligations," said Director at the DPS Kevin Firth. This includes the registration that a deposit has been received and that it will eventually be returned to the students.

Among the recommendations is that students study their tenancy agreement before signing to make sure they know how their deposit will be protected. They can also demand written acknowledgement from their landlord that they belong to a deposit protection scheme and a receipt three weeks after handing the money over, the DPS added.

Chris Hardy, partner in the Residential property practice group at B P Collins, notes: "The scheme applies to assured shorthold tenancies and was brought in to make it easier for tenants to get their deposits back. If the deposit money is not protected on one of the schemes then the landlord could be ordered to pay the tenant up to three times the amount of the deposit."

Chris concludes: "Anyone taking a tenancy agreement should read it carefully and consider what will happen at the end of the agreement and, in particular, the effect of any maintenance obligations, for example, if any furniture supplied is damaged then make sure this is noted and agreed at the outset and take photographs so that there is no dispute at the end of the lease about what is fair wear and tear."

If you require legal advice, for either your private affairs or organisation, please call Buckinghamshire based B P Collins Solicitors on 01753 889995, complete the online enquiry form or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

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