Deposit dispute evidence against landlords goes online

Buy to Let owners now face the prospect of being accused over the internet by tenants who dispute repayments of their deposits.

Mydeposits.co.uk has launched an online dispute service means tenants can now make a complete claim online, something the company claims no other deposit scheme offers.
Previously, tenants had to call or email mydeposits.co.uk during office hours to start their dispute claim. The new system allows claims to be made instantly at any time of the day or night.

This, says the company, simplifies the dispute process for both tenants and landlords, and ensures the dispute process can begin as soon as possible.

This new service allows tenants to provide evidence for their claim by uploading photos and scanned documents such as inventories. The claim can be completed all in one go or, if more evidence is needed, it can be saved online and returned to later.

As soon as a tenant submits a claim online the landlord or letting agent will be informed. The service also offers landlords the chance to submit their own evidence and both parties can track the progress of the claim.

If a tenant wishes to send additional hard copies as evidence the online service also provides a printable address label with the claim number on it.

In addition to the online dispute service tenants can still raise a dispute via phone or email.

Eddie Hooker, chief executive at mydeposits.co.uk, said: “We are proud of the online dispute service; which is exclusive to mydeposits.co.uk. To raise a dispute all a tenant needs is access to the internet and a live email address and they can start the process whenever and wherever they like.

“Although only a tiny fraction of tenancies end in dispute, it is reassuring for tenants to know they now have an even more efficient way to have a dispute resolved.”

• A First Lets landlord forum is being held by Rushbridge Borough Council at the Civic Centre, Pavilion Road, West Bridgford on Wednesday 10 June from 2pm - 4pm.

First Lets is a partnership between the three Borough Councils of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe and has been developed to create stronger links with local landlords and letting agents and to help more people enter into private rented accommodation.

Landlords are being informed that if they have a property to let in the boroughs of Broxtowe, Gedling or Rushcliffe, they can register and submit it via the Borough Council website and it will be advertised free of charge.

For more information about the scheme, contact Michelle Howell, First Lets Project Leader on 0115 914 8511 or email mhowell@rushcliffe.gov.uk.