Tenancy deposit schemes
Landlords need to place all tenant's deposits with an approved, independent third party to protect deposits until they are due to be repaid. Three schemes are now operating:
- The Letting Protection Service Scotland Telephone: 0330 303 0031
- Safedeposits Scotland Telephone: 03333 213136
- My deposits Scotland Telephone: 0333 321 9402
The legal duties on landlords who receive a tenancy deposit are:
- to pay deposits to an approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of the tenancy commencing/renewing
- to provide the tenant with key information about the tenancy and deposit
Failure to place a deposit or provide the required information to a tenant may mean that the tenant can claim up to three times the deposit back from the landlord.
Further information can be found on the Scottish Government’s Safeguarding Tenancy Deposits website including frequently asked questions for landlords and letting agents as well as tenants.