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Tenancy deposits campaign

Citizens Advice has been receiving evidence about withheld rental deposits for many years, so we are delighted that following our lengthy campaign, a Tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme is now being implemented. From 6 April 2007, TDP will be valid for all new tenancy agreements when a deposit is taken.  The scheme will benefit over 1.5 million private tenants.

From February 2007, Citizens Advice and bureaux will be working hard to promote the scheme to tenants and landlords alike so that they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Background to the Tenancy deposits campaign

In 1998 Citizens Advice published Unsafe deposit, a report describing how tens of thousands of private tenants were being cheated out of millions of pounds by unscrupulous landlords. The report called then for a statutory Tenancy Deposit scheme to be set up modelled on a successful scheme already running in Australia.

Citizens Advice successfully campaigned with housing charity Shelter to get an amendment included in the Housing Bill to introduce such a scheme.

Government figures show that 70% of the 2.21 million private tenants in England have paid deposits averaging £510 – adding up to £800 million. These show that one in five private tenants have problems with deposits being unreasonably withheld.

The Tenancy deposit protection scheme launches on 6 April 2007. It will add to the measures already brought in to drive up standards in the private rented sector set out in Housing Act 2004. Those measures include licensing multiple occupancy homes and new safety rules.

Tenancy deposit protection in summary

• Landlords will be required to join a statutory tenancy deposit scheme, if they take deposits.
• This will mean that deposits are safeguarded.
• Tenants will be entitled to get all or part of their deposit back, if they have kept the property in good condition.
• The scheme offers alternative ways of resolving disputes which aims to be faster and cheaper than taking court action.

More information about Tenancy deposit protection

• More information see our website: Adviceguide - Tenancy deposit factsheet

• If you would like further information on Tenancy deposit protection, go to www.direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit

This site will be updated as more information becomes available.

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