Change of Tenancy Contract

[EvianBaby]

We've been living in our privately rented house almost two year and got a letter a couple of days ago from the agency to advise they would be sending out a contract renewal next month.

Last night I had a call from the landlord to say that due to the costs of renewing the contract with the agency (£100 for him to pay, £55 for me to pay) he has decided not to use them anymore and will be sending us a new contract to sign himself.

I'm fine with this as he's always been a very good landlord to us but is there anything in specific I should look out for? As the deposit was paid to the agency when we moved in, what would happen with that?

[ChuckFickens]

I should imagine that the deposit will be refunded in full from the agency and then paid to the landlord as it's the end of the contract with the agency and a new contract with the landlord.

You may not actually see the deposit as such but in effect you will be getting it back and paying it again.

[buildersmate]

The landlord must use one of 3 deposit schemes approved by the Government. There is no reason why he/you can't DIY this and cut out expensive agents, just make sure it is clear in the contract which TDP scheme he is proposing to use.
http://www.direct.gov...g/Tenancies/DG_189120
Apart from that, can't think why any new contract shouldn't look pretty much the same as the last one - of which you presumably have a copy.

[EvianBaby]

Thanks for the answers. I do have a copy of the current contract and I imagine the new one he provides will probably be an almost exact copy. I'll make sure it lists details of the protection scheme the deposit goes into.

[themas]

And make sure the deposit actually does go into a deposit scheme - there's a world of difference between being told it goes in, & it actually going in. You should be advised in writing where it is within 14 days of it going in.

You may also need to consider whether a new inventory check is needed. Presumably one was done when your tenancy started & the landlord may be happy to accept that & just deal with any deduction from deposit for repairs etc. when you eventually leave. If you don't have a copy of the inventory check docs. make sure you get them now.