Help available to avoid rent deposit confusion

Rochdale Landlord Accreditation Scheme is helping landlords in the private rented sector deal with the forthcoming changes to the way tenancy deposits are held.

From 6 April 2007 landlords are no longer legally able to keep the money a tenant gives them as a deposit unless it is recorded with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Staff from the Rochdale Landlord Accreditation Scheme have been advising landlords on their legal rights under the new legislation and have found a number of people confused on the changes.  The scheme is part of the landlord support service run by the Strategic Housing Service of Rochdale Council.

Project Manager Beatty Osborne said: "This is a major change for landlords in the private rented sector and affects every tenancy. It has been introduced very suddenly with little practical information and it comes into force in less than a month.

"A lot of people will be caught unaware and landlords may fall foul of the new law. Our advice to private landlords is to attend the Landlord Forum meeting a on the 29 March where there will be free advice and a presentation explaining the changes. 

"It is estimated that there are at least 5,500 privately-rented homes in Rochdale. The new options for landlords include custodial schemes and insurance-based schemes. However, among the alternatives there is tenancy vetting and the local Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme, which is exempt from Tenancy Deposit legislation. 

"We want to make as many landlords as possible aware of the changes and the number of different avenues available to them. The Forum on the 29 March is free and for all landlords with property in the borough."

The Landlord Forum meeting will be held at the Birch Hotel, Manchester Road, Heywood, starting at 6.15pm on Thursday 29 March.

Spaces are limited so please call to reserve a place by contacting the Landlord Accreditation Scheme on 01706 926623 or 01706 926596.