TENANCY DEPOSITS

The Central London County Court has heard a case involving a landlord who had failed to protect a tenant’s deposit and then did not return it.

Where a landlord fails to deal with a tenant’s deposit in accordance with an authorised scheme a Court must order the landlord to pay between 1 and 3 times the amount of the deposit.

The question arose in this case as to whether there should be multiple awards. As well as seeking return of the deposit the tenant sought penalties for failing to protect the deposit at the start of the original fixed term tenancy AND again at the start of the statutory periodic tenancy which followed the expiry of the contractual term.

The Court held that the tenant should receive a 2^nd award of 2 times the value of the deposit.

If you are a Residential Landlord or Tenant and require any advice or assistance please telephone 01606 74301 or email kerry.greatorex@mosshaselhurst.co.uk