Karen Buck MP is calling for all private tenants in Westminster and Kensington 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, Citizens Advice and supported by Karen Buck MP, 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.

Last year more than three-quarters of all tenants who had their money withheld claimed it was retained unfairly. With the average deposit now reaching £700 in England, losing a deposit can cause real hardship and lead to homelessness.

These new tenant rights will be good news for both tenants and responsible landlords. Karen Buck is raising awareness of the new scheme that will help protect Westminster and Kensington tenants’ money and also help to resolve disputes over deposits at the end of tenancy.

Karen Buck 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 before signing a new contract.”

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 in Westminster, Kensington and 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.”