How can we help?
Deposits are often taken at the commencement of a lease as surety for a tenant complying with certain covenants within the lease.
Deposits taken in connection with an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) are required to be protected with a government authorised scheme (and prescribed information provided to a tenant) within 30 days of receipt. Failure to do this could result in a landlord becoming liable for a penalty of 1-3 times the deposit.
Other types of leases do not require deposits to be protected, but there can still be discrepancies as to the return of the deposit, or in relation to any proposed deductions.
For these reasons, deposit disagreements account for a large percentage of the landlord-tenant disputes that end up in the courts.
If you are a tenant filing such a case or a landlord defending one, our team can offer specialist advise on how to proceed and assist with any litigation or alternative dispute options that the tenancy may allow for.
Our services include:
- Advising in relation to Pre-Action Protocol (such as sending letter before action)
- Issuing a claim for a deposit penalty/ defending a claim in relation to a deposit penalty
- Negotiating settlements for deposit claims
- Advising you of procedure/ drafting of clauses to protect you from similar positions in the future.
Why use us?
Whether during a lease or at the end of a lease, deposit issues can be highlighted by tenants, and, particularly in relation to ASTs, could open a landlord up to a penalty for non-compliance of 1 to 3 times the deposit. Our landlord and tenant experts have a wealth of knowledge in relation to the deposit requirements and will be able to assist with defending any claim made and, if more commercially viable, assist with negotiating a settlement on your behalf.
Conversely, if you are a tenant and your landlord has not correctly protected your deposit, we will be able to advise in relation to whether you have a potential claim and will be able to ensure compliance with the relevant pre-action protocol to give you the best chance of achieving a good outcome.
Key benefits include:
- A bespoke, friendly, and personalised service
- An experienced, professional, and courteous service
- Free initial consultation
- Honest and straightforward advice
- One point of contact throughout the claim
- Flexible appointments in the office, over the telephone or via online video platforms
- A fixed fee initial advice
Our expertise
We have a dedicated team who are familiar with the relevant deposit legislation in relation to ASTs and the requirement to protect deposits, as well as the government approved schemes and their systems, to help make your experience as smooth as possible.
Our costs
All initial enquiries are completely free of charge so please do not hesitate to call us on 0333 202 1132 or complete the form below to discuss your requirements further.
We are able to offer an initial review of tenancy documentation and correspondence in relation to the deposit dispute and provide an initial advice as to your liability/ merits of the claim at a competitive fixed fee.
Make a Free Enquiry
Call us now on 0333 202 1132 or complete our free online enquiry form below for a free, no obligation discussion and let us explain your legal rights and options.
