Student renters urged to reclaim tenancy deposits

As we approach the end of the academic year, you may care to remind any student tenants that you have to reclaim their tenancy deposit, assuming that they leave the property in good condition, once their tenancy agreement comes to an end.

Fresh research from SafeDeposits Scotland shows that many students studying north of the border are rather forgetful, with no fewer than 188 tenancy deposits currently remaining unclaimed by students from Scottish colleges and universities, collectively worth close to £62,000.

The research, which was carried out by identifying all tenants who have a university email account registered against their name on the deposit account, revealed that students studying at St. Andrews University were by far the largest contributor to the total amount currently outstanding.

More than half - 103 - of the unclaimed deposits came from students at Scotland’s oldest university, missing out on an average of around £406 each.

At the other end of the spectrum, just one student at Edinburgh College has not reclaimed the £44.60 owed to them.

The average deposit of £235.68 left unclaimed by students at Aberdeen University, where property prices and rental valuations have traditionally been higher than other Scottish cities, was lower than those at Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh Universities.

Students at some institutions, including City of Glasgow College, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, UWS, and Queen Margaret University, have perfect records on reclaiming deposits, with no deposits currently unclaimed.

Victoria Nixon, operations manager, at SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “It’s interesting to see the disparity in rates of deposits left unclaimed by students across the country and the reasons behind it may be complex and varied.

 “Some people may simply forget, some might think they won’t get it back, and others might think it’s an inconvenience. But in reality; the process is straightforward and should disputes over deductions arise, an independent adjudicator will work to find an amicable resolution for all parties.

“Tenancy deposit schemes like SafeDeposits Scotland were introduced to help tenants and landlords get a fair deal at the end of a lease agreement and claiming your deposit is straightforward.”

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