Tenants in the private rented sector living in Magherafelt and surrounding areas in Co Derry have been called to ensure their deposits are protected under Social Development Department’s Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.
The call comes from Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, who was speaking while announcing that over 18,500 tenancy deposits totalling £10 million have been protected throughout Northern Ireland during the first year of the scheme.
Legislation approved by the Assembly required all tenancy deposits taken by landlords on, or after 1 April 2013, must be protected under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
The regulations state that a landlord must protect a tenancy deposit within 14 days of receiving it and inform their tenant within 28 days where and how it has been protected.
Mr McCausland said: “I welcome the fact that to date deposits totalling some £10 million have been protected throughout Northern Ireland.
“These tenants are now enjoying all the benefits of the scheme. I want however to make sure that all tenants are receiving this deposit protection as set out for them in legislation.
“I would therefore encourage all tenants who have paid a deposit on, or after 1 April 2013, to ensure their deposit has been protected.
“Likewise, I would ask all landlords who have received deposits from this date to adhere to the regulations. Tenants who have not received this information should contact the Environmental Health Office at their local Council immediately.”
Additional information for tenants and landlords on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme is available on the nidirect website at www.nidirect.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-scheme.htm
Over the coming months DSD will be embarking on a publicity campaign to remind landlords of the legal requirement to protect deposits and to encourage tenants to report to councils where they do not receive the required information about the protection of their deposit.
A landlord who takes a deposit but does not protect it in an approved scheme, may get a fixed penalty issued by the council for three times the amount of the deposit. If they are taken to court they could be fined £20,000.
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