Tenancy Deposit Scheme - how easy is it for a tenant to you & do they favour tenants?

[Kentmumof4]

My daughter and her 2 flatmates are having a nightmare with their previous landlord.

He is claiming over £700 of damages. The girls have evidence to show that it's only about £228.

The landlord has refused to accept this and told them to refer the dispute to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

What is people's experience of the TDS? Are they quick? Are they sympathetic to tenants?

I think she should fight on with the TDS, but is it worth it?

Would appreciate any advice.....

TDS are perceived to be sympathetic towards tenants.

We’ve only had to do it as tenants once but we got our whole deposit back with the evidence we supplied.
There is different schemes though so may not all be the same.

Thank you, that’s good to know

It's always worth noting that the landlord has to prove guilt rather than the tenant prove innocence.

You do say that there is damage though.....what exactly did they do?

They are not quick but the process is sound. I think they are not much off 50/50 with who they "favour" but slightly more for Tenants
I have assisted clients with the process a few times and while the Tenant often has to lose something its usually less than first asked for