Letwise and Trading Standards Officers from Community Safety are working with Edinburgh's landlords and letting agents to ensure that deposits are being handled in a fair and lawful manner.

A new deposit pack with specific information and guidelines for landlords and agents is being distributed in the city now.

Over the next few months staff from Letwise and Trading Standards will be visiting agents to offer guidance and discuss better practices.

Letwise provide help and advice for Edinburgh's private landlords and tenants. They currently receive around 700 enquiries per year relating to deposits - many of these are simply people seeking advice. They advise tenants and landlords on the correct procedures for the handling and return of deposits and what steps can be taken in a dispute.

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Obviously there are situations where a deposit is not returned for a justifiable reason including damage to the property or missing items. However, where deposits are withheld for no reason, the tenant can experience unnecessary stress and hardship, which often impacts their ability to obtain subsequent accommodation.

Cllr Paul Edie, City of Edinburgh Council housing leader said: "Although there is not a huge problem in Edinburgh with deposits being withheld, we do want to take a joined up approach to tackling it.

"Letwise can offer training and support but if the landlord or agent won't cooperate then Trading Standards have the responsibility to enforce consumer law against traders who withhold deposits without lawful justification. We want to work with landlords and agents to prevent this situation occurring. I'm sure the new guidance will make the situation clearer regarding the return of deposits."

Adam Ramsay, Edinburgh University Student President said: "The majority of landlords only take deposits when it is fair to do so. But all too often landlords take more money than is appropriate. When this happens, there is little students can do short of going to court. Edinburgh's thousands of tenants will welcome any moves to ensure a fairer system."

(GK/JM)