In a very interesting article, Estate Agent Today points to worrying flaws in the Tenancy Deposit Scheme that could leave unwitting landlords open to legal liability. The problem arises when lettings agents sign up to a scheme, but hold the money in one of their own accounts, and then go into administration. In many cases, according to the article, the money isn't adequately ring-fenced either... it's registered with a scheme, but not audited... so agents have no quick way of knowing (without performing an audit) whether they're spending agency money or deposits. The buck eventually stops with the landlord. More here.

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