Deposit Protection Service - shambolic service

[Deleted User]

I dont know whose idea it was to set up the Deposit Protection Service, but I have never come across such an appallingly inefficient and non user friendly service.

Clearly the priority is to hold tenants deposits for as long as possible and gain as much interest as possible for DPS coffers.

Having not received a response to my initial complaint I have now sent a 2nd complaint to DPS.

I am wondering who regulates this organisation, as I really feel that DPS is ripping people off. :mad:

G_M

Hard to comment on so few details.

If you look at the DPS website, you will see
Authorised by
Department for
Communities and
Local Government

BitterAndTwisted

If you think the deposit-protection scheme is poor, just think back to when some landlords treated a tenant's deposit as free money.

In my experience when people complain that something isn't working as efficiently as they would like it's often because they don't fully understand the processes and procedures.

If you'd like specific advice or opinions perhaps you'd like to give some more information so people can comment.

[Deleted User]

I have been a landlord in the past, I also had a tenant who withheld the last months rent and then did a runner.

On this occasion I am trying to retrieve a deposit for my son from his student digs let.

I do find that DPS processes and procedures are certainly not as straight forward as they should be. Clearly the longer the DPS gets to hold onto deposits the more interests it gains e.g, now **free money** for DPS.
In my view DPS deliberately set out to confuse and their customer service clerks give the barest minimum advice and guidance . DPS also fails to respond to complaints, which does not build confidence in their dispute resolution service.

theartfullodger

Whilst your objection that DPS gets extra interest is clearly valid - if they are actively pursuing this.. but given that interest rates are at an all-time historic low of 1/2% even for a £1,000 deposit that's only about 42p a month and I hardly think that DPS will come out ahead given the extra admin such a stratagem would cost them.

Expecting government or government sponsored schemes to operate promptly & efficiently is likely to lead to disappointment and tears: You surely knew & understood that. Just think those who's disability claims are taking months & months whilst they get nothing.. what are they expected to live on?? See
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29465976

Citizens Advice Scotland said people are waiting an average of six months between claiming the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and receiving the payment.

Cheers!

Pixie5740

As a tenant I much prefer the deposit schemes that what went before. At least now I stand a chance of getting my deposit back unlike the olden days where I had to fight tooth and nail after numerous made up deductions had been made. Better late than never so I don't begrudge the deposit scheme making an extra 10p holding on to my money for a little longer.

[Deleted User]

:mad:DPS is owned by an investment company, the amount of money they are holding from deposits is collosal. We had no say in the matter, as all landlords are now required to place tenants deposits in schemes.

It is not automatic that deposits are returned at the end of the scheme, as the last poster seems to believe, it is still like fighting tooth and nail and the landlords still look to make ridiculous deductions. The process is very lengthy and I actually feel it is more supportive of the landlord than the tenant. Albeit any disputes are dealt with by DPS, but you have to jump through hoops even to get to the dispute stage. DPS do not respond to complaints so this does not lead to any confidence in their ability to deal with disputes.

I am not sure why it was necessary to bring into the topic issues regarding disability benefits, but for what is is worth, I have also been through that process and for many many months had no money before the claim was finally turned down.

My son is studying a degree which is costing £9500 a year for his fees , on top of this is accommodation £90 a week + food and clothes. All funded by student loan. He has had to fork out another £200 deposit this year for accommodation , because of delay in previous deposit being returned. Before some one smart posts that he will not have to pay back his student loan until he starts earning £21000. a year, he will be starting out with a debt of £45,000+ if he manages to get a job in the first place!

theartfullodger

treetops wrote: »

... ... .. .... he will be starting out with a debt of £45,000+ if he manages to get a job in the first place!

I fear you - and presumably your esteemed son - have misunderstood: The debt is there, to be repaid, regardless of him getting a job or not...

You seem very upset: Tried talking to your GP??

Cheers!

jamie11

The last tenant I had did no damage to my property so I released his deposit in full. He got his money back in two days and sent me an email expressing his (pleased) surprise.

[Deleted User]

Weird sad people on this site :

I fear you - and presumably your esteemed son - have misunderstood: The debt is there, to be repaid, regardless of him getting a job or not...

You seem very upset: Tried talking to your GP??

Cheers!

My son is not esteemed far from it; this site used to be informative needs to get rid of Trolls.

jamie11

treetops wrote: »

this site used to be informative needs to get rid of Trolls.

You still living under that bridge in Scotland Artful?