Tenancy deposit scheme is working despite row over price increases says National Landlords Association
Despite the furore surrounding the price increases being imposed by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, the legislation introduced in April 2007 is working, according to the National Landlords Association (NLA).
David Salusbury, Chairman, NLA, said: “The NLA believes we need to be careful not to let the current discussions about TDS price increases detract from the principle purpose of tenancy deposit protection - offering legal protection for tenants where, in the small number of cases, landlords wrongly withhold all or part of their deposit.
“The NLA welcomes recent comments from the Government that it is happy with the performance and high standards demonstrated by the approved tenancy deposit protection schemes.
All-in-all, tenancy deposit protection legislation has proven to be a success and current issues must not alter this message.
“Today, I have written to TDS seeking clarification about the likely impact of their price increases on landlords and the NLA will communicate their response in due course.
“It is quite clear that landlords should not be expected to foot the bill of these price increases and we will be monitoring the situation carefully. For the NLA the interests of landlords must be safeguarded.”
Cannabis growing landlord falls out
with tenant over electricity bill
A landlord who asked his tenant to water his cannabis plants for him in return for a share of the harvest escaped with a caution after confessing about the drugs to police – while the tenant landed up in court.
Leicester magistrates were told that Gordon North, aged 44, was renting from Steve Daniels in Brightside Avenue, Melton.
The duo fell out over a dispute involving a large electricity bill caused by lamps used to cultivate the cannabis plants being grown in a spare bedroom.
North threatened his landlord that if he did not help cover the large bill, he would go to the police. But before he could carry out the threat, Daniels went to the police station, told them about the plants, which were in the early stages of the growing cycle, and was given the caution.
North was later arrested, charged and admitted being involved in the production of cannabis. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
Landlord fined for evicting tenant illegally
A landlord has been fined £200 for unlawfully evicting a tenant from a Belfast property.
Fiona Gettings, from the Upper Lisburn Road, was also ordered to pay costs of £69 at Belfast Magistrate Court today (Tuesday).
The prosecution was brought by Belfast City Council following an investigation into a complaint that the tenant of the property was illegally evicted, contrary to the Rent (NI) Order 1978.
A spokeswoman for Belfast City Council said: “We are pleased with this conviction as it reminds landlords that tenants are entitled to the full protection of the law. We are constantly trying to raise awareness among landlords regarding the rights of tenants.”
