Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) has launched an FAQ web page for landlords, letting agents and tenants to provide help and guidance on the most frequently asked questions surrounding tenancy deposit protection in light of Covid-19.
TDS will be adding new content as the situation develops, as well as updating the questions and answers to reflect any developments in government advice.
The resource page tackles pre-tenancy, mid-tenancy and post-tenancy concerns, and gives advice on questions such as the handing over of check-in documentation in lockdown, how check-outs could be carried out remotely, and how disputes may be resolved where there are challenges to obtaining or accessing evidence during times of social distancing and self-isolation.
“The coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all and, understandably, we have had many questions from tenants, landlords and agents over the past few days regarding how this could affect tenancy deposit protection,” explained Steve Harriott, Group Chief Executive at TDS.
Questions about rent reductions and their impact on the deposit cap have been asked several times, along with worries about not being able to pay rent, so the team at TDS have provided specific information on wording, claims and legislation.
TDS are updating the website as government advice changes, and as more questions come in. They urge customers to visit the page frequently for updates, as the guidance may change, and answers may be amended.
“As we receive further questions and advice from government, we will do our best to continue providing answers and clarity on legal ramifications and tenancy processes during this period.”
As the only not-for-profit, government-approved tenancy deposit scheme in the UK, TDS is monitoring the situation closely and working with the industry to provide clear advice for the private rented sector.
“We would like to stress that we are an impartial organisation and do not believe it is our place to give any advice beyond which is clearly stated by the government or law. It is ultimately up to the parties in the tenancy agreement as to how they wish to proceed in any given situation. We hope the information we are providing on this web page provides a helpful foundation, and we wish all our customers and their families the very best of health during these unprecedented times,” added Steve.
Please visit https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/covid-19/ to find out more.