The Deposit Protection Service claims almost £5 m of deposits are waiting to be claimed by tenants caused often by tenants not keeping their contact details up to date. Once the tenancy has been registered with DPS, only the tenant can update their details, for security reasons.
The DPS has undertaken a review of its processes to make it easier to avoid deposits being held in limbo due to tenants not responding. To make a deposit repayment The DPS needs agreement from both the landlord/letting agent and the lead tenant, along with details of the correct payment method.
The following changes will be introduced to the DPS on-line service:
From 26 November, landlords will be required to provide either a UK mobile phone number or a valid email address for the lead tenant.
One of these will be required as a minimum (both would be ideal). However, if tenants do not have any of this information then they should apply for a paper deposit submission form.
Early next year the DPS will also be introducing SMS text messaging to alert tenants when a deposit repayment has been initiated by their landlord or letting agent. (Source: Letting Protection Service)
http://www.callaways.co.uk
Or follow Callways Brighton and Hove on Twitter. www.twitter.com/realestatehet
Article Details
