A tenancy deposit scheme is a scheme provided by an independent third party to protect deposits until they are due to be repaid. Three schemes are now operating:
- The Letting Protection Service Scotland
- Safedeposits Scotland
- My|deposits Scotland
Landlord's legal duties
The legal duties on landlords who receive a tenancy deposit are:
- to pay deposits to an approved tenancy deposit scheme
- to provide the tenant with key information about the tenancy and deposit
Key dates for landlords
The dates by which landlords must pay deposits to an approved scheme and provide information to the tenant vary, depending on when the deposit was received:
1. Deposit received prior to 7 March 2011:
Where the tenancy is renewed by express agreement or tacit relocation on or after 2 October 2012 and before 2 April 2013 (Regulation 47(a))
Within 30 working days of renewal
In any other case (Regulation 47(b))
By 15 May 2013
2. Deposit received on or after 7 March 2011 and before 2 July 2012 (Regulation 48)
By 13 November 2012
3. Deposit received on or after 2 July 2012 and before 2 October 2012 (Regulation 4)
By 13 November 2012
4. Deposit received on or after 2 October 2012 (Regulation 3)
Within 30 working days of the beginning of the tenancy
Information about the schemes
Further details about the individual schemes and how landlords will be able to use their services are available on the web sites below. Email addresses and telephone numbers are included where available:
All three schemes have a range of information available including how landlords can join the schemes, how to submit deposits, how to ask for repayment of deposits and how the dispute resolution service will work.
Letting Protection Service Scotland
www.lettingprotectionscotland.com
Address:
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6BN
Email contact: events@lettingprotectionscotland.com
media@lettingprotectionscotland.com
All other enquiries can be made through the online forms that are contained within the LPSS website FAQs
Telephone: 0844 472 6666
SafeDeposits Scotland
www.safedepositsscotland.com
Address:
Brunswick House
51 Wilson Street
Glasgow
G1 1UZ
Email contact: Rebecca.Johnston@safedepositsscotland.com
Telephone: 0141 559 5010
My|deposits Scotland
www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk
Address:
Kingmaker House
Station Road
New Barnet
Herts
EN5 1NZ
Email contact: info@mydepositsscotland.co.uk
Telephone: 0845 634 5400
Guidance
Information about tenancy deposit schemes and what they mean for tenants, landlords and letting agents is available:
If you have any further queries about tenancy deposits contact the Scottish Government on 0131 244 0683 or email tdsproposals@scotland.gsi.gov.uk