Kevin Firth, director of The Deposit Protection Service, said: “Tenants worried about the scrapping of the proposed landlords’ register should be aware that there are other sensible precautions they can take to make sure their money is protected, primarily by checking that their landlord is registered with a government approved deposit protection scheme, before handing over their deposit. Tenants should receive notification that their deposit is protected within 14 days of giving it to the landlord or agent.
“Other safeguards include ensuring there’s a signed tenancy agreement and an independent inventory with pictures documenting the state of the property when they move in and when they move out. Provided they take these measures, they’ll be taking good steps towards making sure that their money is safe and their rights as consumers protected.”
