We have finally, over two months after the four boys left their student tenancy, had part of their deposit returned over two months later, despite it being in the Deposit Protection Scheme and clearly not even disputed by the landlord (who is playing for time). That in itself is a disgrace. 

Worst still, I received an email yesterday from the DPS advising this:

" We can confirm that we are unable to release the deposit unless we receive the agent/landlord's response to their claim. There is no time limit for the agent/landlord to provide that response."

There you have it in writing: there is 'no time limit' for the agent or landlord to provide a response to a disputed deposit return, therefore, the agent/landlord clearly has FULL power unless tenants hire lawyers, if the agent/landlord chooses to be unhelpful, as they are in this case, still. 

So, what is the point of the DPS? Student tenants would feel comfort that their deposit is protected, but is it?? Without added legal costs out of many students' reaches? 

I am coming across hurdles for student tenants each day and will keep reporting them so we can get some change here.