New Statistical Briefing Shows Drop in Tenancy Deposit Disputes During Covid

The latest Statistical Briefing from the Dispute Service shows that deposit disputes occurred in just 0.70% of tenancies in England and Wales during 2020/21, which is likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The industry renowned report, which is published every year, presents data from a range of factual sources including Freedom of Information (FOI) data and statistics collated internally at the Dispute Service including tenure, the average value of tenancy deposits, the leading cause of disputes, and more.

The report also reveals statistics internally monitored by Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), TDSNI and SafeDeposits Scotland, as well as insights into the wider private rented sector (PRS) in England & Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Private rented sector growing

The report, written by the Dispute Service Chief Executive Steve Harriott, reveals other insights into the broader PRS. It shows that the private rented sector has continued to outgrow the social renting sector, and that total deposits in England and Wales in the PRS have increased to 4.2 million at March 2021. This equates to a value of £4.3 million in deposits held for private tenancies in 2021.

Reasons for deposit disputes in 2021

Cleaning continues to be the prominent reason for disputes and accounted for 49% in England & Wales, 42% in Northern Ireland and 70% in Scotland during the 2020/21 period.

Steve Harriott said: “Our annual Statistical Briefing reveals interesting industry trends in the private rented sector and highlights the impact of Covid-19 in all regions of the UK. Transparent, factual data has never been more important, and this report is just one way we play our part in instilling trust in the private rented sector.”

A must-read for property professionals

The report will provide interesting reading for property professionals, landlords and letting agents operating in private lettings. The Statistical Briefing can now be downloaded for free at: Statistical Briefing 2020-21

The Dispute Service is committed to supporting the PRS and offering ongoing insights and advice to landlords, letting agents and tenants. If you’re not using the free TDS Custodial Deposit Protection scheme or the Insured Protection scheme yet, it’s quick to switch and you can enjoy regular reports like these to keep you informed and in the loop.

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