New dispute training course for agents created by DPS and NALS

A new free training course which guides letting agents through the key principles of disputes, has been released by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) and the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS).

Deposit Disputes  is an online training module written by The DPS’ Head of Adjudication and is available in The DPS Training Hub section of NALS Virtual Learning Environment, NALS’ specialist online learning platform.

The aim of the joint course, which is available 24/7 and 365 days a year, is to help to continue to raise standards within the private rented sector.

Daren King, Head of Tenancy Deposit Protection at The DPS, said: “The module will help equip letting agents with the key points taken into account throughout a deposit dispute, including what happens when it comes to adjudication.

“This partnership provides detailed information to enable letting agents to understand their key responsibilities when it comes to the administration of tenancy deposits.”

Isobel Thomson, NALS CEO, said: “NALS works hard to support letting agents with the constantly changing landscape of the private rented sector. We’re proud to partner   with The DPS to launch The DPS Training Hub powered by NALS. We hope to see as wide an uptake as possible amongst agents.”

Deposit Disputes describes the key documents landlords and letting agents should provide in order to ensure a successful outcome in the event of a dispute.

These include: a signed check-in and check-out report agreed by the tenant, date-stamped photographic evidence, plus invoices and quotations.

The online module also explains key criteria adjudicators consider when deciding to award a claim, such as fair wear and tear, unfair terms, and betterment.

Those who successfully complete the course will receive a joint NALS and DPS e-certificate which can be put towards CPD accreditation.

The module is the first of four due to become available inside The DPS Training Hub.

Other DPS content includes an interactive adjudication case study, as well as advice on how to keep costs low by using custodial deposit protection.

To sign up for the course, visit https://elearning.nalscheme.co.uk/login/signup.php

Top tips for a successful claim:

• A letting agent’s claim will stand or fall on the quality of evidence provided on the condition of the property before occupation and post-tenancy.  Always submit a signed tenancy agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the lease.
• A check-in and check-out inventory prepared by a professional inventory clerk is deemed to be best practice, and this should contain date-stamped photographs. However, inventories can also be compiled by letting agents themselves. A tenant should be invited to the inventory check-in and check-out to discuss any findings, and to sign the report.
• Professional cleaning after a tenancy is not automatically assumed to be necessary, however, if one of the criteria for letting a tenant live in the house with pets is that the house is professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, then such a clause may be regarded as valid.

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