SafeDeposits Scotland Blog

Students! Confused by tenancy deposit schemes?

Posted on Monday 2nd of November 2015

Found the perfect student accommodation for you and your friends? You've probably been asked to pay a deposit in case of damage, rent arrears, etc. Your landlord or letting agent must pay your money into a tenancy deposit scheme for safekeeping. This is a legal requirement in Scotland. You should receive confirmation of protection from the landlord or letting agent and the scheme. Check your tenancy agreement to find out exactly why your landlord may want to deduct...Read More

Ask SafeDeposits: How do I complete the prescribed information form?

Posted on Friday 14th of July 2017

How do I complete the prescribed information form? The Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 require landlords who take a deposit from their tenant to: Transfer the deposit to a government approved tenancy deposit scheme; and Provide the tenant(s) with particular key information. The deposit should be protected and the key information provided within 30 working days of the tenancy start date. To help make providing the key information easier, we have a...Read More

We dig deeper into unclaimed deposits

Posted on Tuesday 3rd of October 2017

Most tenants claim their deposits back after they move out, but, as hard as it is to believe, a surprising number don't. We decided to dig deeper into our figures and have discovered that renters in some cities are more forgetful than others. The top five cities in Scotland for unclaimed deposits are: Edinburgh City: 919 deposits, worth £219,559.34 Glasgow City: 417 deposits, worth £113,422.99 Aberdeen City: 246 deposits, worth £73,023.66 Fife: 245 deposits, worth...Read More

How is my Deposit Repaid if I've Moved Away from the UK?

Posted on Wednesday 7th of November 2018

Every day at SafeDeposits Scotland we speak to people around the world - often former tenants who have moved back to their home country after a temporary spell in Scotland, and sometimes Scots (both tenants and landlords) who have relocated overseas for a new chapter in their lives. Our deposit repayment procedure is designed so that payment can be requested as soon as a tenancy ends and - subject to all parties agreeing - monies can be in a tenant's UK bank account within a matter of...Read More

How to Avoid Winter-Related Deposit Disputes

Posted on Wednesday 14th of November 2018

With the weather turning, we take a look at the potential winter-related problems that can affect a tenancy deposit - and how to avoid them. As temperatures plummet and the nights draw in, the elements can have an impact upon properties. For letting agents and landlords, it's important that the right checks are made to ensure any potential damage is avoided or minimised. As ever, preparation is key. Where possible, landlords should personally carry out...Read More

Tenants as Bill Payers - Your Rights

Posted on Wednesday 21st of November 2018

"Black Friday" is approaching and a whole host of big companies are shouting from the rooftops about apparently special deals. It's a relatively recent phenomenon here, but even before this distinctly American tradition made its way across the Atlantic, the run up to Christmas has been a time for many to take stock of their finances and outgoings as gifting, eating, drinking and being merry shake up the bank balance. Electrical retailers, supermarkets,...Read More