The workshops, conducted by SafeDeposits Scotland, take place after research revealed that in the last year, 490 disputes have arisen between landlords and tenants in the Edinburgh postcode area.

SafeDeposits Scotland’s research 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 (18.93%) of all tenancy disputes in Scotland.

The most common reason for the tenancy deposit disputes was attributed to cleaning, which was cited in 70% of cases within the EH postcodes.
Now landlords in Edinburgh can sign-up for free industry-leading training into managing tenancy deposits and disputes.

Delivered by SafeDeposits Scotland’s experts, the workshops will demonstrate how to present evidence if there is a dispute with a tenant.

Part of SafeDeposits’ programme of workshops touring the country, the course will be held at the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) at 125 Princes Street with a choice of sessions on both 3rd and 4th October.

Introductory workshops 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.

Additionally, 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, said: “As well as protecting tenancy deposits, SafeDeposits is committed to providing guidance and raising standards in the private rented sector. These courses will help landlords and agents in Edinburgh better understand the principles of adjudication and in turn, help them to protect their investments.”

She added: “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.”

By law, landlords and letting agents who take deposits from tenants must protect them in a government-backed deposit protection scheme like SafeDeposits Scotland. Landlords who fail to do so can face a fine of up to three times the value of the deposit if the tenant launches a case with the First-tier Tribunal.

To book a free place at the event, please email events@safedepositsscotland.com.

Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, interested parties are encouraged to get in touch as quickly as possible.

For more information on the adjudication workshops being held across Scotland by SafeDeposits Scotland, please visit https://www.safedepositsscotland.com/landlord-information/training.