The Tenancy Deposit Scheme in conjunction with ARLA has published a matrix to help agents and landlords get to grips with the effects of the tenant fees ban in both England and Wales.

It follows a recent report which revealed confusion over the ban, which was introduced over five months ago.

To add to the complexity, those landlords and agents who operate across both England and Wales have two different sets of regulations to contend with.

The matrix breaks down both fee bans into sections that cover holding deposits, security deposits, check-in/-out fees, early termination, rent arrears and late payments, lost keys, breach of responsibilities, agreement amendments, and the contentious issue of pet deposits.

To coincide with the introduction of the tenant fees ban in Wales, TDS opened a new office in Cardiff to offer further on-the-ground support to local landlords and letting agents.

It says it is currently the only government-approved tenancy deposit provider with a branch in Wales.

David Cox, ARLA Propertymark chief executive, said: “The tenant fees ban is a complex piece of legislation made worse by virtue of the fact that the bans differ ever so slightly between England and Wales.

“This handy matrix helps agents operating in both countries to navigate the regulatory minefield and ensure they are complying with the right law.”

Separately, the Deposit Protection Service has launched a video with tips for letting agents and landlord on how to avoid disputes.

The advice is fairly elementary, but nevertheless useful and would be good in training.

Tips include the use of date-stamped photography of the same images at both check-in and check-out, and making sure that tenants sign the check-in report at the time they move in.

The DPS has resolved over 97,000 disputes since it started 12 years ago.

https://www.depositprotection.com/learning-centre/disputes/preparing-for-disputes-the-check-in/