Scotland: Deposit from flat rental being withheld by letting agents due to inability to conduct inspection (coronavirus)
Hi all,
My deposit from my last flat tenancy, which ended over 2 weeks ago, is still in the deposit protection scheme. The letting agents say that they're unable to visit the property to conduct and inspection because of coronavirus (despite it being empty). I'm inclined to think this is not my problem and my money ought to be returned in a timely fashion. But I can't find any requirement or timeframe for this to happen (cf. the start of the tenancy, where the money it must be placed in the scheme within 30 days) in the guidance about the deposit protection schemes.
I can apply to have the money refunded on my end. Is this a bad idea? Or shall I just do it and let them figure it out?
FWIW the letting agents are absolutely shite and I absolutely do not trust them to show even the slightest regard for me, the tenant. They certainly wouldn't have extended me any leniency if the shoe were on the other foot.
Posted Apr 29, 2020, 5:52 PM UTC
Not a valid excuse if the property is empty. You have to stay at home if you can work from home only, otherwise you’re allowed to go to work, like these guys. There’s absolutely no risk to visiting an empty flat.
I think its unfair to say there's NO risk, but I otherwise agree with your post