Tenancy Deposit Schemes are For Landlord and Tenant Benefit

Initiatives such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme protect both landlords and renters from confusion over inventories, LettingFocus.com has stated.

David Lawrenson, buy to let and private rented sector expert at the site, commented that such schemes were originally brought in because some tenants were not getting their deposits back.

While there were "undoubtedly" some "rogue landlords" who unfairly held on to deposits, there were also "rogue tenants" who left properties messy, which added to costs for the landlord.However, these problems can be negated with an inventory taken at the beginning and the end of a lease.

"A proper inventory matters to both parties because a landlord can only make a deduction if the tenant causes damage to a property or its contents or its state and condition - between the beginning and the end of the tenancy - and which is beyond normal fair wear and tear," Mr Lawrenson added.

His comments come after the Council of Mortgage Lenders revealed buy to let funding totalled £2.9 billion in the first three months of 2011.

Landlord and Tenant News