UK Landlord Forum / Life

Is there any defence against not putting a deposit paid into a secured scheme. I am new to this and was not aware of the scheme but informed my tenant that the deposit was going to be put into an account so it was there for whenever they decided to move out. This was two years ago and now after leaving under strained circumstances they are now looking to take me to court for the penalty payment. They informed me that they were going to push for a penalty payment about a month before they left the property I gave them back half of there deposit early as a good will gesture and put the other half into a secured scheme 2 weeks before the move out date.

Do I have any defence against their claims apart from my ignorance of the law regarding this matter.

well let them do it! if they take you to court it will cost them loads in solicitors fees up front. presumably they arent solicitors!!

just dont correspond or admit anything.ie dont give them evidence.

if it goes to court then i would be really surprised but if it did then worry about it then.
for next time take alook at the DPS insured scheme you get to keep the deposit and pay a one off insurance of £22. they only brought it out a month or so ago.