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Deposit Recovery Pack As you approach the end of your tenancy you might be eager to pack your bags, go back home, go on holiday or move onto the next place; but don’t forget about that deposit you paid at the start of your tenancy. Your landlord/ lady has a responsibility to protect your deposit in one of the following schemes:
The Deposit Protection Service http://www.depositprotection.com/
My Deposits http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/
TDS http://www.tds.gb.com/
Landlords/ ladies are free to choose which one they want to use and from a tenant’s point of view they all offer the same protection. There are two types of schemes: A Custodial Deposit Protection Scheme takes the money from the landlord/ lady and holds it throughout the tenancy. A Insured Deposit Protection Scheme allows the landlords/ ladies to keep hold of the money throughout the tenancy. The money is only handed over to the scheme if there is a dispute. Your deposit will be securely held up to three months after the end of your tenancy. Should you have any disputes over deductions you can utilise the dispute resolution service within your scheme who will arbitrate independently on any disputes. However after the three months have elapsed your deposit will no longer be protected and you may find it more difficult to get it back from the landlord/ lady or to dispute unfair charges, so make sure you take steps to contact your landlord/ lady about this once your tenancy has ended.
How to Get Your Deposit Back in Full! Your landlord/ lady can only use your deposit to claim against unpaid rent, this includes utilities when they are part of the rent charge (a bills inclusive contract), or to make good any damages to the property caused by you and/ or your housemates. You only need to leave the property in the same condition it was in when your tenancy started. If you are in a joint tenancy this means the start date on the tenancy not the date you moved in, so be aware if you are moving in later than the rest of your household. 1