EAST Cambridgeshire tenants and landlords are being offered protection under a new law coming into force this year. Ely and District Citizens Advice Bureau is raising awareness of the legislation which will help resolve disputes arising over tenants depo

EAST Cambridgeshire tenants and landlords are being offered protection under a new law coming into force this year.

Ely and District Citizens Advice Bureau is raising awareness of the legislation which will help resolve disputes arising over tenants' deposits at the end of their lease.

"We have seen a number of clients where their deposits have been withheld without just cause," said Beverley Howard from Ely and district CAB. "In one case a young couple with a baby had a £1,000 deposit withheld without any good reason. They ended up homeless as they couldn't afford the deposit on their next house.

For years tenants have had little protection if their landlord chose to keep all or part of their deposit at the end of a tenancy. Arguments over how much a landlord should keep to pay for damage or other expenses often ended with the tenant losing out.

Under the new Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme, which comes into force on April 6, all new deposits for assured short hold tenancies must be protected.

Anyone renewing a tenancy or starting a new one after April 6 should make sure there is an agreed inventory and ensure the landlord or agent gives notification within 14 days to which Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme they belong.

INFO: Ely and District CAB is available for telephone for advice on 0845 130 6442 Monday to Thursday 9.15am to 1.30pm or call in to one of the drop in sessions on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.15am to 12.00.

Website www.elycab.org.uk. For more information about the new law go to www.communities.gov.uk/tenancydeposit