Letting agents are to be offered free training in managing tenancy deposits and disputes if they operate in Edinburgh.

In the last year, 490 disputes have arisen between landlords and tenants in the Edinburgh postcode area according to the latest research from SafeDeposits Scotland.

The deposit protection provider found that the average amount that tenants and landlords in the capital disagreed over deductions to the deposit at the end of a tenancy was £351 and that disputes in the city accounted for almost one in five of the tenancy disputes in all of Scotland. 

The most common reason for the tenancy deposit disputes was attributed to cleaning, which was cited in 70 per cent of cases within the EH postcodes.

Now landlords in Edinburgh can sign-up for free training into managing tenancy deposits and disputes. Delivered by SafeDeposits Scotland, the workshops will demonstrate how to present evidence if there is a dispute with a tenant.

There are courses in the city on October 3 and 4 and they will be aimed at those who have not received previous training on adjudications and will include the use of real case studies of adjudication cases SafeDeposits Scotland has dealt with. 

In addition, information on how an adjudicator comes to a decision regarding the amount they decide to award will be provided. Refresher workshops for landlords and letting agents who wish to build on their existing knowledge are also available.

Paula Guthrie, Adjudication Account Manager at SafeDeposits Scotland, says: “Some landlords and letting agents make errors at the beginning of tenancies which can cause problems at the end of the lease agreement. The private rented sector is always evolving, so these courses are a great way to keep up to date with best practice and new legislation.”

To book a free place at the event, please email [email protected].