Joint responsibility for deposits

Both landlords and tenants have a responsibility to ensure that deposits are secure and systems are in place to ensure both parties are satisfied.

That is the view of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which has noted that many people are trying to find rented accommodation at the moment.

The organisation indicated that sorting out deposits is one of the factors that need to be considered by landlords when making deals with tenants.

Similarly, renters need to make sure that landlords handle deposits in an above board manner.

Malcolm Harrison, spokesman for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, said: "They do need to make certain that their deposit is protected. They need to actually ask the landlord for details of where the deposit is and the fact that it has been registered.

"They must also remember that they are going to be jointly responsible."

New laws were proposed by the government last month giving more rights to tenants who have financially unstable landlords.

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