Doug Naysmith is calling for all private tenants in Bristol North West to make sure their landlord protects their deposits under new laws on tenancy deposit protection which come into force on 6 April.

Following a joint campaign by Shelter and Citizens Advice, supported by Doug Naysmith, all new deposits for assured short hold tenancies (ASTs) will now have to be protected. The new law requires all landlords to be in a Government-approved scheme, with sanctions against those who don’t comply. Anyone signing a tenancy agreement after April 6 should ask their landlord or agent how their deposit will be protected.

Doug Naysmith said, “This is great news. Too many tenants round here are facing problems getting their deposit returned, so this scheme will provide a vital safety net for both tenants and responsible landlords.  From 6 April, every landlord will have to be signed up to one of the Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes, so I want to make sure local tenants know to ask their landlord or agent which scheme they are part of before signing a new contract. With the average deposit now reaching £700 in England, losing a deposit can cause real hardship and lead to homelessness.”

Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning said, “It is outrageous that tenants are being ripped off by unscrupulous landlords who treat deposits like an extra month’s rent. That’s why we have introduced this important scheme, which will strengthen the rights of private renters across the country.”   

Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of Shelter said “Shelter helps thousands of people each year with deposit problems and has campaigned for many years to get deposit protection introduced, so we are delighted to see the new Government scheme being rolled out, making the private rented sector fairer for everyone.”