Bills included’ has become the most popular renter search term on Rightmove with an increase of +36% in search volume, overtaking pets and gardens for the first time.
And it’s not difficult to understand why.
As the cost of living sky-rockets in the UK, the average household bills increased by 54% in April of 2022 and were estimated to increase by another 80% by the end of the year.
As renters struggle with the rising costs, they are seeking ways to gain more security and clarity around their outgoings.
Landlords must now seriously consider the value of including bills against the risk of current unpredictability in rising costs.
The levelling up agenda proposes plans to improve the standard of living across the UK.
Explained on the gov.uk website as “a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of government. The Levelling Up White Paper sets out how we will spread opportunity more equally across the UK.”
However, there has been uncertainty around when we can expect to see progress on this agenda which has been escalated by the recent focus on parliamentary changes.
One of the most notable parliamentary changes for the property sector is Michael Gove being reappointed as housing secretary. As Gove returns to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, we can expect the levelling up agenda to once again take centre stage.
We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The Happy Tenant Company. 🎉
This is our third such acquisition in the last 18 months. With more than 8,000 properties on our platform to date, this latest acquisition further cements our position as one of the leading players in the online lettings space and demonstrates our plans for ambitious growth over the coming months.
As a business, The Happy Tenant Company already shares our ambitions to make the rental market a better place for landlords. Happy Tenant Company was created in 2012 and founded by landlords who felt there needed to be massive changes to the way that properties were managed by letting agencies.
Extortionate maintenance fees and excessive markups by letting agencies had been the main drive to create The Happy Tenant Company. The Happy Tenant Company’s mission is to have total transparency and integrity first by having fixed fees for landlords and passing benefits back to members.
“The founders of The Happy Tenant Company have built a great business. Their brand values and ethos align with those of Howsy and we’re confident we can offer a greater selection of services for Happy Tenant customers to further enhance their experience,” says Calum Brannan, founder and CEO of Howsy.
Yesterday the government announced further support for tenants by extending the bailiff enforced eviction ban and Six-month notice periods until atleast the 31st May. Exceptions to the ban continue, with regards to anti-social behaviour and fraud.
How Howsy can help protect landlordsduring this period
Howsy Protect is one of our comprehensive property management plans. It includes guaranteed rent protection, so your rental income is secure during the most challenging of times.
As an example, some of our landlords who are subscribed to our protect plan, have been able to support renters facing difficult situations over the past 12 months, without impacting their own financial wellbeing.
Howsy Protect also includes appliance and home emergency cover. Check out more here.
Speak to one of the Howsy team, give us a call on 0330 999 1234 or email us and we can begin the process of getting your rent protected.
14th February 2021 – Update
Over the weekend the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced an extension to the ban of bailiff evictions.
At present all we know is that which is included in the press release. However, regulations are expected in the early part of this week. We will update this post as soon as more information is available.
In the meantime for those that are concerned about this extension, it is important to note that there are exemptions to the ban and they are expected to continue. Unless there is a change the current exemptions include illegal occupation, anti-social behaviour and arrears of 6 months’ rent or more.
The courts are likely to continue prioritising possession claims where there is anti social behaviour, illegal occupation or domestic abuse. Landlords will also continue to be offered the government free mediation pilot to support them and their tenants to resolve disputes before a formal court hearing takes place.
16th October 2020 – Update
The tenant eviction ban has been in force over the past five months to protect tenants from being evicted by their landlords throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Many individuals are facing financial hardship and struggling to keep up with rental payments due to job losses and a reduction in salary due to being furloughed. Before the ban, many tenants were at risk of eviction from their homes and the government has sought to protect tenants with this initiative. The English government has also announced that landlords will need to give tenants six months notice of eviction until the end of March 2021. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said this is to help protect tenants through the winter months but will keep these measures under review.
Yet, where there are cases of anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse, this will not apply. Once courts open, they will then priortise those cases and where landlords have not received rent for over a year.
Our advice to tenants
If you are having difficulty paying your rent, speak to your landlord asap and try to come to some arrangement. At least let them know the situation so they can be clear and understand what you’re going through.
If you’re receiving housing benefit or Universal credit currently and unable to be furloughed, you may be able to get a discretionary housing payment from the council.
What this means for landlords
Although the eviction ban supports tenants, it has left numerous landlords without rental income. Some landlords have said this “blanket approach” is unacceptable. Each landlord is different and in different circumstances. Some landlords may be renters themselves and rely on renting their property out to cover the mortgage for the property they currently live in. Some landlords rely on this income for their pension and financial stability. Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association said, “Private landlords cannot be expected to foot the bill for government failure.”
Landlords also need to be given some way to have their income protected if tenants can’t pay their rent. Yet currently, there is no government support available. In some cases, landlords are able to have buy to let mortgage payment breaks but this can impact on landlords looking to get buy to let mortgages further down the line.
Although the current situation we’re facing is no fault of the nation’s tenants, it is simply unfair to expect landlords as the backbone of the rental market to foot the bill for unpaid rent. Not only has the ban been extended but landlords must now face an increased eviction notice period before they can even commence court proceedings.
With such an unprecedented backlog, there will no doubt be sizable delays that could see landlords face an even longer wait before they can reclaim their bricks and mortar investment. As a result, some could be facing in excess of a year without any rental income.
The Government is yet to provide any form of help other than the rather pitiful buy-to-let mortgage holiday which, in some cases, can impact a landlord’s financial credentials further down the line.
The power to conduct right to rent checks online only without a face to face meeting has now been extended to 5 April 2022.
Right to Rent checks were introduced under the Immigration Act 2014. They require landlords, and if they have agreed in writing to do so, their agents to carry out checks to ensure that their prospective tenants are in England legally and have the right to rent.
Prior to March 2020, these right to rent checks were usually carried out in person with the prospective tenants producing not only their ID documents such as their passport but also in some cases additional documents to prove that they were in the country lawfully.
If the tenant has no time limit on his right to rent then the checks should be carried out any time prior to the tenancy commencement. However, if there is a time limit then they must be done in the 28 days before the commencement of the tenancy. In March 2020 due to Covid, the in-person checks were abandoned and landlords were permitted to request scanned documents by email and verify them via video call.
These online checks were expected to end on 31 August 2021. However, on 26th August the Home Office announced that it would be extended to 5 April 2020.
Previously, verifying lawful status for an EEA or Swiss national was simple and straightforward. However, following Brexit changes have been implemented as of 1 July which requires EEA or Swiss nationals to also provide evidence of their right to rent by producing confirmation of their settled status or some other visa.
More details can be found in the Right to Rent guide here.
However, in summary, the following nationals need to provide at the very minimum the following documents:
British and Irish citizens – a current and valid passport or other proof of residency
EEA and Swiss nationals – a current and valid passport along with confirmation of settled status or pre-settled status or visa.
Nationals from other countries – a current and valid passport along with a valid visa.
EEA or Swiss nationals who have applied for their settled status may have an e-visa which they can produce on request. In the absence of an e-visa you can use the Home Office checking service but you will need to liaise with the tenant to do this.
It is important to stress that since 1 July 2021 a Registration Certificate, a document certifying permanent residence or a passport or national identity card for EEA or Swiss nationals on their own are no longer acceptable for right to rent checks.
This is a very basic guide to the right to rent checks and should not be relied on to comply with the law. A failure to carry out the checks properly can lead to a prison sentence and or a fine. Therefore it is important that the correct process is followed depending on your tenant’s nationality and if you fear that you may have not complied that you correct this sooner rather than later.
It is important to note that if a tenant fails a right to rent a landlord is only required to take action and report this to the Home Office if the tenant is already in occupation of the property. The tenant will then need to be evicted. Therefore checks before the commencement of the tenancy are always recommended as tenants can be rejected before entering into an agreement if they do not pass and nothing more needs to be done.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve recently won two lucrative awards. We’ve won the Best Online Business at the Growing Business Awards and the Best Letting Agency in the Property Reporter Awards in association with NRLA.
It was a tough category in the Growing Business Awards with companies such as Mindful Chef and Snag Tights as other finalists but we’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this prestigious accolade. It’s truly a testament to the tireless work of the Howsy team and has shown how far we’ve come.
We’re continuing to grow and we’re all about shaking up the lettings industry and flipping the traditional estate agency model on its head. So therefore, getting an award such as Best Letting Agency in the Property Reporter Awards has really shown how we’re making real headway within the industry. To be recognised by such a prestigious awarding body is fantastic.
The judges for the Property Reporter Awards have said “Their desire to challenge the status quo with more efficient processes stood out” “Well ahead of their time” “Flexible, transparent & responsive”
We’re truly on a mission to make renting better for everyone, so winning this award as Best Letting Agency is really special for us. For so long the lettings industry hasn’t been working for landlords and tenants and we’re dedicated to making it work for everyone. It’s great to be recognised as the Best Letting Agency.
The lettings landscape is always changing and for landlords it can be difficult to keep up with changes in legislation. The most recent change to the rental sector is how right to rent checks are done during the pandemic. We’ve put together the below blog to help you keep up to date and compliant as a landlord during this time.
What is right to rent?
The right to rent scheme, implemented by the Home Office, is there to ensure landlords check that the tenants living in their properties have legal status to live in the UK. The Home Office introduced Right to Rent checks as a deterrent to those looking to seek to live in England illegally. Only those who are able to live in the UK have a right to rent.
Who needs to carry out a right to rent check?
Before a landlord or letting agent can rent out a home in England, they are required to check a potential tenant’s passport and complete the necessary immigration checks. Anyone who is also a live-in landlord renting out part of the house or a tenant subletting one of the rooms out in the property, should also carry out these checks. If a tenant fails to help and doesn’t want to comply with a check being carried out, they could face being reported.
Who is subject to a right to rent check?
Since 1st February 2016, any tenant in England that is renting a property must prove that they have legal status to live in the country. You must check all new tenants. It’s against the law to only check people who you think aren’t British Citizens.
Who doesn’t need a right to rent check?
You don’t have to check tenants that are moving in to the following accommodation:
social housing
a care home, hospice or hospital
a hostel or refuge
a mobile home
student accommodation
local authority accommodation
Housing provided as part of their job
Property with a lease that’s 7 years or longer
How is a right to rent check done?
A landlord or letting agent must carry out the following:
From a list of acceptable identification documents, an original document must be checked to make sure the tenant has the right to live in the UK legally. This could include a UK/EU passport and a permanent residence card or travel document showing indefinite leave to remain.
Anyone 18 or older that’s living in the property, also needs to be checked, even if they aren’t on the tenancy.
These documents must be copied for reference purposes and be securely stored and the original documents returned once the check is complete.
Checks always had to be carried out face to face with all prospective occupiers using original documents. Yet due to Covid 19, there have been changes in the way documents are verified.
How Covid-19 has changed the right to rent check
Checks now don’t need to be done face to face. Due to the pandemic and the need for social distancing where possible, these checks can be done via a video link. To verify a tenant’s photographic I.D, the tenant can just hold this up next to their face during the video call so the landlord or letting agent can confirm who they are. A scanned copy of the document then needs to be sent electronically by the tenant to the landlord so they have this on file.
However, as the key to the property is usually handed over in person, this means that the verification process could still technically be done face to face but socially distanced. Where once the verification must be done face to face, the checks now allow for verification virtually.
This means landlords and letting agents can still complete the appropriate checks needed. By adapting to the current climate, landlords can still ensure they can let out properties and still be compliant.
First and foremost, I hope that you and your loved ones are well. We have all read or used the clichés “unprecented”, “uncertain” and “challenging” times, but the fact remains that none of us have seen anything like this.
As a predominantly online business, we were able to adapt quickly to the government restrictions, so it has largely been business as normal for us apart from the team are almost exclusively remote working.
With the situation changing daily, like everyone, we are monitoring the news closely to see how the government will work to ensure that the nation’s landlords and tenants are protected during this period.
On 29 March, the government published full advice for Landlords and Tenants. On 12 May, this was updated to allow property viewings, prepare properties for renting and move home, effectively restarting the lettings market. Whilst there is no specific mention of social distancing, it goes without saying that it is expected all these activities need to happen whilst maintaining a safe distance from others. There is a lot of reliance on all of us to use our common-sense.
“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals…. [and] is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.” – Robert Jenrick MP, Housing Secretary
Protect yourself
Most importantly, make sure you are keeping up to date with government advice. Washing hands, working from home, social distancing – all things that you’ve seen in the news that are important changes for all of us. Whilst it does appear that restrictions are slowly being loosened, for many of us things won’t change immediately.
Protect others
From 10 May, the edict from the government changed from “Stay at home” to “Stay alert”. Whilst there is more that is open to interpretation, the key messages are:
Stay at home as much as possible
Work from home if you can
Limit contact with other people
Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from others
Wash your hands regularly
If you or anyone in your household are showing any symptoms of coronavirus, then you must self-isolate yourself immediately for the protection of those who are most vulnerable. This is incumbent on all of us.
Response times
Our teams are almost exclusively working from home, and
whilst this is not unusual for us as a modern technology company, it is
exceptional that so many of us are working remotely at the same time. As a result, our response times could be
affected. We are trying to prioritise responding to urgent requests or those
from the more vulnerable, so please bear with us if we don’t get back to you
quickly.
However, we are still open 24/7, and we’re on hand to help both landlords and tenants as usual.
As I mentioned, circumstances are changing, and we’re ensuring we’re keeping updated and adapting quickly. We know that the government is never going to be able to provide details to cover all scenarios. So in absence of specifics, we hope decision making and issue resolution will be done with a mixture of common sense, empathy and compassion for all.
If your circumstances have changed and you are struggling to pay your rent, please let us know immediately. Don’t wait until after you get into arrears. We will explain the situation to the landlord, and they may give you more time to pay or agree to a repayment plan, although you may be asked to demonstrate that your ability to pay has changed as a result of coronavirus. A repayment plan means you’ll make smaller payments to your landlord over a longer period of time. You’ll still have to pay everything back – but it could be easier than paying the full amount in one go.
You may also be entitled to benefits to help with housing costs if your income has reduced, even if you’re still working. Whilst there are various groups lobbying for ‘rent holidays’ during the coronavirus crisis, there are no details on any plans to introduce this yet.
It is important to note that your total rent will still be due as normal. Landlords may be willing to make arrangements with tenants to delay or reduce rent payments but they are currently under no obligation to do so. Don’t offer to pay more than you can realistically afford – you could make the problem worse if you can’t keep up with your payments.
However, the Coronavirus Act that became law on 26 March, doesn’t actually ban evictions, it just extends the statutory notice period from two months to three for most renters. In effect it means landlords can still serve notice and claim possession at the end of that period. There may be additional emergency legislation, or the legislation could be extended, but that is unknown at the moment.
The change in law only applies to notices served on or after 26 March. However, for existing possession claims there are likely to be significant delays to hearings as court hearings are also suspended.
Moving out of your property
Legally, you can only end a fixed term tenancy early if either your contract (the ‘AST’) has a break clause or you negotiate an early end to the agreement with your landlord. Please let us know if you want to negotiate an early termination – your landlord may be sympathetic to your request to leave, but bear in mind that they will need to find new tenants to cover their costs too. Whilst the government asked mortgage lenders to make provision for mortgage holidays for landlords, they still need to pay that mortgage – it is a deferment, not a cancellation of their mortgage costs.
Conversely, if your tenancy is due to end soon but you’ll like to stay where you are, please contact us so that we can help negotiate an extension with your landlord.
On 12 May, the government announced that there are now no restrictions on moving house, other than ensuring it is done within social distancing guidelines.
Inspections and Repairs
In line with government guidance from 12 May, inspections and repairs can start again. Landlords also have legal responsibilities to carry out gas safety checks, so they have been continuing to be done. If you are self-isolating, then gas safety checks can be delayed, as long as we have documented the reasons why. Please let us know via email as soon as you enter self-isolation, so that we can ensure the safety of you and any maintenance teams are protected during this time.
Please ensure you practice social distancing if any repairs or legal checks are required at your property during this time.
Working from home
If you are now working from home, make sure you maintain good physical and mental health during this period. Although it is second nature for many, it can be surprisingly challenging, particularly for extended periods. The BBC website has some simple tips which will help. We can provide short term work from home furniture packages on a monthly basis in the London area for £30 a month, click here to find out more.
On 18th March, the government announced that eviction processes are to be suspended for three months, with no possession proceedings taking place during the crisis. The intention was to give all tenants complete security that if they are unable to work, due to social isolation, lock-down or needing to be at home with children, they are safe in their home and do not have to worry about the risk of an eviction.
However, the Coronavirus Act that became law on 26 March, doesn’t actually ban evictions, it just extends the statutory notice period from two months to three for most renters. In effect it means landlords can still serve notice and claim possession at the end of that period. There may be additional emergency legislation, or the legislation could be extended, but that is unknown at the moment.
The change in law only applies to notices served on or after 26 March. However, for existing possession claims there are likely to be significant delays to hearings as court hearings are currently suspended.
The law applies to all reasons for evictions including, for example anti-social behaviour. If you have an anti-social tenant, then the best course of action is to keep in close telephone and email contact with your tenants and neighbours during this difficult time. Try and diffuse any situation as quickly and calmly as you can remotely, especially if the tenant is going to remain in your property. In this situation, it’s best to show constraint and compromise.
Rent arrears
It is likely that some tenants may find themselves unable to work during this time. The government has effectively promised to cover the wages of many workers, but it is still possible that tenants may find themselves facing difficulties paying rent.
The government has urged landlords and tenants to work closely whilst the situation unfolds, and should it be necessary, establish an affordable repayment plan when the tenant’s circumstances return to normal. It is important to be realistic about how this can be managed. Setting a repayment plan that is too high could lead your tenant into long-term financial difficulties which could result in long-term rental arrears for you – simply extending the problem. Please let us know if you want us to help with any drafting of a rental repayment plan. Similarly, if you do agree a plan directly with a tenant, please inform us.
There are rental guarantee insurances available that still protect you against any missed rent payments, and the government has implemented additional measures – such as mortgage breaks – that can ease your burden.
There are a number of rent guarantee insurance products in the market which will cover your rent in the event of rental arrears. Because of the changing situation, the rental protection scheme providers of Howsy’s Rent Guarantee and Guaranteed Rent (as part of our Protect package) have now withdrawn their product to new customers.
You may still be able to find rent guarantee schemes with another provider, but please make sure you check their terms in relation to coronavirus.
You should be aware that any rent guarantee scheme may become redundant as the situation changes. We therefore cannot advise on whether taking up rent guarantee protection is a prudent decision or not.
On 18th March the government announced financial support packages including a three-month mortgage holiday for those whose income was impacted by the virus. From 19th March, mortgage lenders also suspended all possession orders, and will not be starting any new court actions against non-payment of mortgages for 90 days.
For landlords who find themselves with rental income interrupted by tenants who are unable to pay, this could be a real help, allowing a break on either your own personal mortgage, and/or that of your rental property. Be aware that this option may mean your monthly mortgage payment goes up after the payment holiday ends.
You must be up-to-date with mortgage repayments to apply, and be able to prove that your tenant has been directly affected (fallen ill themselves) or indirectly affected (lost their job, financially impacted etc) by the Coronavirus. Contact your individual mortgage provider directly for details of how to implement the break.
It is worth checking to see if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments – for example, mortgage payment protection insurance or through your current account – as this may be more cost effective for you.
Renewals, tenant changes and evolving circumstances
On 12 May, government regulations were updated to allow people to move home, as long as they can adhere to social distancing guidelines. If your tenancy was due to end soon, but you and your existing tenant are happy to stay, then please contact us so that we can help negotiate an extension. They may be grateful for the security, and happy to stay in the comfort of a familiar home.
For a tenant wanting to end their tenancy early, while you legally could enforce the terms of the tenancy and claim rent for the remaining period, it may be better to negotiate an end to the tenancy with the tenant or arrange a rent holiday with the tenant. Please show compassion and empathy.
Inspections, repairs and safety checks
In line with updated government guidance, we can restart inspections and non-urgent repairs, as long as it’s possible to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
There is no change to legislation with regards to compliance checks, such as gas and electrical safety – these have always been a requirement. If there is a reason they cannot happen (for example your tenants are self-isolating), then we will document any delays why the checks cannot be carried out and ensure that they are done as soon as reasonably possible when safe to do so. If you arrange these checks yourself, please also document any delays and send to us.
We have continued to fix urgent repairs during this time and this hasn’t changed. If you are arranging any repair work to be done, it is important to stress to any tradespeople and your tenant that government advice surrounding social distancing must always be observed. It is likely that these issues will also take longer than normal to resolve, due to demand and possible difficulty in obtaining parts and labour.
Finding tenants and marketing your property
Even since the initial restrictions since 23rd March, we have seen sustained tenant for future moves. Historically, uncertain economic environments also tends to drive more rentals as people are less likely to buy property. So we expect the lettings market to remain relatively robust overall.
On 12 May, the government lifted restrictions on the lettings market. Effectively immediately, you can now:
Hold property viewings
Prepare properties for renting (e.g. taking photos, inventory)
Move home
Guidelines on social distancing must be adhered to at all times still. If you, your existing tenants or prospective viewers are reluctant to attend a viewing, we can host virtual viewings for you, as well as recording a video walkthrough of your property which we can get on your property advert listing. If you produce your own video, remember that such a video is part of the marketing of the property and falls within consumer protection legislation. It must not contain false images or omit anything that could be a material consideration for a tenant in deciding to let the property. You cannot simply ignore things like broken fixtures, damp or mould in such videos. They must be an honest representation of the property and its facilities.
Landlords and letting agents that rent a private property on an assured shorthold tenancy have to protect their tenants’ deposits in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme. It’s the law, and it protects you too.
What is a tenancy deposit protection scheme (TDP)?
A tenancy deposit protection scheme has two main roles: to protect deposits in an authorised scheme, and to help resolve disputes about deposits.
What are the schemes I can use?
In England and Wales a deposit can be registered with one of these schemes:
They’re quick to join if you opt for what’s called custodial protection, where the deposit is held by the scheme provider for the duration of the tenancy. The other option is insured protection, where the landlord and the agent holds the deposit and the TDP scheme to protect it.
And while there are other schemes you could use, only the three above are protected in law. Other schemes won’t give the same level of protection for either landlords or tenants.
Does a landlord have to put deposit in a scheme?
Yes; as of 1 June 2019 it’s a legal requirement. You have to use a TDP even if a deposit is paid by someone other than the tenant, such as their parents. And you have to pay it in within 30 days of receiving it. Within that time, you must also tell your tenant:
the address of the rental property
how much deposit they’ve paid
how their deposit is protected
the name and contact details of the TDP scheme and its dispute resolution service
your (or the letting agency’s) name and contact details
the name and contact details of any third party that’s paid the deposit
why you would keep some or all of the deposit
how to apply to get the deposit back
what to do if they can’t get hold of you at the end of the tenancy
what to do if there’s a dispute over the deposit.
You don’t need an inventory to join a TDP but it can be helpful to have one anyway. It could help resolve any dispute that may arise at the end of a tenancy.
How can a tenant check if their deposit has been secured?
By visiting the website of the scheme their deposit is protected with and entering a few details, such as a code (provided by the landlord or letting agent), postcode, surname and/or the date the tenancy started. The details asked for differ from scheme to scheme but are all straightforward.
What are the benefits for landlords?
It allows them to have money as security should a tenant break the terms of the tenancy agreement.
What are the benefits for tenants?
They’ll get their deposit money back if, at the end of the tenancy, they:
meet the terms of their tenancy agreement
haven’t damaged the property
paid the rent and all bills in full.
Landlords must return a deposit within 10 days of agreeing with the tenant(s) how much they’ll get back.
How much deposit can a landlord ask for?
Landlords in England cannot legally ask for more than the equivalent of five weeks’ rent for new and renewed tenancies — or six weeks if the annual rent is at least £50,000.
What happens if you don’t protect a deposit?
A tenant can apply to the local county court if a landlord hasn’t used a TDP scheme when they should have.
Penalties include:
repaying the deposit in full to the tenant
paying it into a TDP scheme’s bank account within 14 days
a fine between one and three times the deposit amount, payable to the tenant
you may also lose the ability to get a court order to regain possession of the property (under a Section 21 notice of the Housing Act 1988). The landlord can only serve a Section 21 eviction notice after the deposit has been repaid, or after any court case about the deposit is over.
The court can decide that the tenant won’t have to leave the property when the tenancy ends.
What can a landlord deduct from a deposit?
The landlord or agent can take a payment from the deposit if:
both landlord and tenant have agreed
the court has ordered the deposit to be paid.
How are deposit disputes handled?
If there’s a disagreement about how much money should be given back, your tenancy deposit protection scheme offers a free dispute resolution service.
Your not obliged to use the service, but if you do, both tenant and landlord have to agree to it. You’ll both be asked to provide evidence, and the decision made about a deposit will be final. There’ll be no right to appeal. The entire process can be handled completely online. The alternative? Go through the courts.On a final note, the law requires your TDP scheme to guarantee only that the tenant receives the amount they’re entitled to. No more, no less.
Howsy uses MyDeposits.co.uk, a scheme authorised by the British Government that protects tenants’ money across England and Wales.
Howsy Fully managed
Howsy Protect
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