Facts
The tenancy deposit scheme was introduced (2007) by the UK Government to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords. Prior to this a tenant would routinely expect to lose their deposit upon leaving with the only recourse being legal action. The schemes have a prescribed dispute resolution and legal precedent which now places the onus on the Landlord to make a supported case to claim not retain the deposit if valid grounds exist. Despite this change, the myth remains that the deposit is the Landlords money and it is for the student to make a case to get it back.
Impact
The lack of information and understanding of tenancy deposit protection schemes, and being faced with a complex, conflictual and time-consuming process to 'keep their own money' can lead students to lose deposit funds.
Action
LBSU should raise awareness amongst students of their rights and entitlement to retain their deposit at the end of their tenancy through the delivery of a "Get My Deposit Back" campaign. This should provide students with the information they need to understand how they can actively engage to protect their own money and should include a 'toolbox' that enables easier navigation of the deposit dispute procedure.
Benefit
The benefit of this would be that students retain more of their own money.