Help with the Deposit Protection Scheme

moneybunny123

I'm a Landlord (or at least, I am up until tomorrow!)

My tenant has left and wants to post the keys to me on Monday. She still owes one months rent but has sent me a text to say that I can have all of her deposit (that is currently in the DPS).

I've just logged on to the DPS, but it's sort of unclear how I go about getting at this money. What do I do?

Mind_the_Gap

Your tenant also needs to log on, using her unique Tenant ID, to agree to allow the DPS to release the money to you. Understandably, they won't release it on your say-so alone.

However, if you agree to accept the deposit as rent, what will you do if there is damage to be repaired/cleaning to be done?

G_M

How much is the deposit? Same as the rent owed? More? Less?

Are there any other deductions to apply? Anything missing? Damaged? Needing cleaning?

Subtract what is owed from the deposit amount and apply to have that amount released to you, detailing why. Release the remainder of the deposit (if any) to the tenant.

moneybunny123

She owes slightly more than the deposit and I'm aware that there is likely to be repairs/cleaning, etc, but to be honest, I'm just happy that she's gone.

As far as I know, she doesn't know her tenant ID. The deposit was originally deposited in the DPS by a letting agency (who we used to go through) but we got rid of them due to their inadequacy about 6 months ago. They gave me access to the DPS with a logon, but I don't know if my tenant has one? I really don't know how it works Yes, I know, I know. Stupid of me. But we never let the house out as a "business". More as a means to an end and a solution to a short-term problem. Now, she's leaving and we're moving back in there ourselves, so any cleaning/redecorating etc would be done anyway.

G_M

I don't have access to log on to DPS but you should find more detailed info there. FAQs?

Request repayments

Landlords, agents and tenants can all request the repayment of a deposit to the appropriate parties at the end of a tenancy – either jointly or independently, online or by calling us and requesting a paper form.

When one party requests a repayment, the other needs to confirm whether they agree with the proposal, by completing an acceptance form – either online or by post.

It is in the best interests of all parties to agree promptly on how the deposit is to be repaid, so that everyone receives the funds due to them quickly and amicably.

All deposits are repaid within 10 calendar days of the correctly completed acceptance form being received by The DPS.

---

I believe if after a set period of time the tenant fails to respond either positivle or negatively to the DPS's request to release the funds to the LL, then the funds are released.

Mind_the_Gap

If the T does not have her Tenant ID, then the LL must follow the Single Claim Process. This involves applying to the DPS for the whole deposit to be released to him. The DPS (as I understand it) tries to contact the Tenant (whose details they should have from the letting agent who first lodged the deposit). If the T is uncontactable (or alternatively, agrees to the deposit being released to LL), then it will be released to him:
http://www.depositprotection.com/help/browse/agent-landlord/agent-single-claim-process

If T (once contacted) objects, then the dispute resolution process kicks in and LL has to justify the deductions he claims.

moneybunny123

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

I've found a telephone number on the DPS website, and will ring them tomorrow to seek some advice.

Just one thing that's worrying me - I notice on the DPS website that the tenant is listed as the current tenants partner - who left about 6 months ago. Only she lives there now but it's his name on the DPS website. What if HE tries to make a claim to the money?! Can he do that?

BitterAndTwisted

Well, yes, he obviously could. And then you'd have to claim the deposit in the usual way against the rent-arrears. If he's still on the original tenancy agreement you could always go after him personally for the rent-arrears as well. So, now you could have two people to take to court. Let's hope that either actually have the money to pay you