Renting out properties has become a widely used second-income generator, or even full-time career for an increasing percentage of the population, in recent years – the private rental sector (PRS) is at its largest ever size, and, as the average age of a first time buyer continues to rise, it becomes clear that the younger generation really are ‘Generation Rent’,
However, with the wealth of opportunities now on offer comes a higher level of responsibility. There is now more legislation and regulation than ever, including the changes introduced in 2011 under the Localism Act regarding deposit schemes.
After being announced in 2011, changes to the way landlords handle deposits under the Localism Act came into force on the 6 April 2012. The changes caused amendment to the Housing Act 2004.
Although incorporating a host of changes, many quarters have concluded that the Localism Act has made the Housing Act 2004 more landlord-friendly, and that the introduction of deposit schemes in general has been a largely positive move for the PRS.
What is the Localism Act?
Under the Localism Act, a landlord taking a deposit from a tenant must protect the deposit within one of the selected government schemes within 30 days of receipt. They must also provide prescribed information to the tenant within 30 days. By doubling the timescale for landlords to react, more landlords have been able to comply with the regulations as the targets are more attainable.
However, if both of the above requirements are not met, the landlord could be subject to retrospective penalties. On day 31, the tenant is now able to take their landlord to court if the requirements have not been appropriately acknowledged. One of the new aspects implemented in 2012 is that if the deposit was not properly protected, even when a tenancy has ended, a tenant can now bring the process through the courts.
Penalty charges
Regarding penalty charges, a Landlord is now required to pay no less than the amount of the deposit, but no more than three times the value of the deposit. Previously, the landlord was required to pay three times the deposit no matter what; the new rules have allowed the courts a higher level of discretion, more often than not easing the financial cost on landlords in the process.
Safeguard for tenants
Having the deposit protected acts as a safeguard for the tenant. The impartiality of independent deposit schemes mean that in principal, any matters/disputes will be dealt with in the fairest way possible.
However, problems have arisen as many landlords are blissfully unaware of the legislation. It must be noted, nonetheless, that all relevant documentation is available on the respective scheme’s official websites.
The introduction of the Localism Act has helped to iron out many loopholes - ones that benefitted landlords and tenants. At a time when there are a higher number of tenants than ever, a deposit is an absolute necessity, making it essential that they can be protected with minimum fuss.
To keep up-to-date with information regarding tenancy deposit schemes, please visit the government website.
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