Number Of Deposit Disputes Reaching Adjudication Falls
The number of deposit disputes that are reaching adjudication is falling thanks to early intervention.
Those are the findings from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) who say there has been a sharp increase in tenancy deposit disputes not going to adjudication because they've been resolved by agreement.
Each deposit protection scheme must by law offer a free dispute resolution service for landlords, tenants and letting agents who are unable to agree on how the deposit should be distributed when a tenancy ends.
A dispute resolution may involve several solutions and will not automatically involve a formal adjudication.
Now, TDS, a not-for-profit company, along with TDS Northern Ireland and SafeDeposits Scotland have been pushing mediation as well as early intervention for disputes.
‘Beneficial for both the tenant and landlord’
The TDS' director of dispute operations, Alison MacDougall, said: "Resolving disputes over tenancy deposits is beneficial for both the tenant and landlord. It's why we open up a dialogue between parties to secure an amicable and swift agreement."
She added that the process can also help defuse situations and help a disagreement become quickly settled with all parties keeping control of the final decision.
The organisation says that over the past year, in England and Wales, the number of tenancy deposit disputes that have been resolved before reaching adjudication rose by 31%.
In Scotland, the numbers grew by 18%, and for Northern Ireland, dispute resolution increase by 56%.
National Approved Letting Scheme undergoes rebrand
Meanwhile, the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) has unveiled its re-branding and will now be known as 'safeagent'.
There will still be the same accreditation and training schemes, along with client money protection.
The organisation says that the safeagent brand will be more recognisable and popular.
Safeagent's chief executive, Isobel Thomson, said: "This is a pivotal time for the private rental sector and there have been many changes and more in the offing, but we know what makes a safe agent.
‘Safeagent remains an identifiable mark of trust’
"In a sometimes confusing and crowded marketplace, safeagent remains an identifiable mark of trust for consumers in an agent's professionalism and money security."
She added: "This exciting time sees safeagent with exciting plans and a fresh look for the coming months.
"We will be maintaining safeagent, consumer focus and also championing the cause of our professional accredited agents who are upholding the highest standards of professionalism."
Since 2006, the organisation has been self-funded and runs on a not-for-profit basis with the logo being used by agents who are signed up to a CMP provider.
