Deposit holding schemes for renting

Toodlepip123

Hello,

My partner and I are waiting for our credit checks to clear before signing a contract for a new tenancy - however due to past bad experiences I was going ot ask the EA to let us know which deposit holding scheme they would be holding our deposit in. I'm anticipating some palm off, but wanted to know whehter I had a right to insist this happened or whether it is at the EA's / LL's discretion?

Thank you!

JanCee

It's certainly not at anyone's discretion, it's the law. You will also get a copy of the TDS receipt.

N79

I can not see any reason why they would not tell you if you ask.

The only complication might be if they have not decided yet. They have until 14 days after you pay the deposit to protect it and inform you which scheme it is protected in.

N79

DaveTheHedgehog

It's not at the Landlords or agency discretion whether to put the money in a Tenacy Deposit Scheme or not. It is now the law, and the must do it, or face penalties.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm

clutton_2

you have to be told. when the deposit it lodged the Scheme will write to you to inform you - however, there are 3 schemes and one of them had difficulties in informing tenants directly, so you need to know which scheme it is. You also have to be given the "prescribed information" about the scheme they are using within 14 days of you giving them the deposit

Fred1_2

You have an absolute right to this and you should not need to ask. The Housing (Tenancy Deposits) (Prescribed Information) Order 2007 sets out the fact that when taking a deposit landlords and agents are obliged to provide certain prescribed information about the chosen Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme to tenants within 14 days of letting. This is sometimes known as a Section 213 Notice. If they fail to do this, you may be entitled to your full deposit returned at the end of the tenancy plus compensation of 3x the deposit. Of course, you will need a court order to get it.

Toodlepip123

That's fantastic everyone, thanks so much. I've had a read of the gov website and asked the EA anyway to see what he says, but I'm feeling reassured. Out of curiosity, has anyone actually had any experience of withdrawing their deposits from these schemes, as they were launched just over a year ago? Is the success rate higher?