The Tenancy Deposit Scheme requires that landlords in England & Wales to protect their tenan’t deposit in an approved scheme and provide the tenant with the prescribed information within 30 days. If a Landlord fails to do so, they face harsh fines and even possible property repossession for the worst offenders. In 2015 & 2016 The Tenancy Depost Scheme resolved over 28,100 disputes.
Even if the landlord relies on an agent to register and protect the deposit, the legal responsibility still lies with them.
Further Reading:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/landlord-guide/tenant-deposits-need-to-know/
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