Seven in ten tenants not given prescribed information

Tuesday 12th June 2012

Almost 70% of tenants in England and Wales say they are aware of tenancy deposit protection legislation, but only half were provided with details of the scheme protecting their deposit by their landlord or agent.

Research by Mydeposits among 1,638 tenants during April and May says that just 51% were given the information, despite it being a legal requirement.

The new research follows a survey by Mydeposits last summer among 528 landlords, where 98% claimed to take and protect deposits.

Eddie Hooker, CEO of the scheme, said: “Tenancy deposit protection legislation was introduced to protect the consumer and their deposit money, so it’s encouraging to see that most tenants are aware of it.

“However, although the overwhelming majority of landlords are protecting a deposit, it seems more can be done to explain to the tenant that the deposit has been successfully protected.”