Tenancy Deposit Schemes Sheffield

Cleaning is top of the list of disputes between landlords and tenants Cleaning is the number one source of dispute between landlords and tenants, according to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

It has proved to be the most common source of deposit disputes in the 12 months since the scheme received its first disagreement to be resolved between landlord and tenant.

But the 80 cases that the scheme has arbitrated to date have often had more than one area of dispute, with damage by pets and to gardens also a problem.

"As well as opinions differing over what is clean or not, we are most often called upon to adjudicate on the costs of small amounts of damage where redecoration is needed," said Lawrence Greenberg, chief executive of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

"Also damage caused by pets, especially when they have not bee specifically allowed under the terms of the tenancy agreement, is often a bone of contention."

Gardens have often called for impartial judgement in the course of the scheme, with damage by natural causes – typically the weather – commonly requiring adjudication.

Around 1,000 lettings offices have signed up to the voluntary scheme, which has overseen disputes ranging from £70 to £12,000.

The scheme ensures that tenants' deposits are protected during the tenancy, and are returned promptly where there is no dispute.

Where there is a dispute, an independent adjudicator takes on the case and makes an adjudication within ten days – with all deposit money returned within five working days following the adjudication.

From October next year, tenancy deposit schemes will become compulsory for all landlords.

For more information on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme see: www.tds.gb.com .