TENANTS in Limerick properties are continuing to be duped by opportunistic landlords as housing agency Threshold proposes the establishment of an independent body to handle security deposits.
The non-return of deposits continues to be the number one grievance in the private rental market.
The Limerick Post was recently contacted by a group of students from the University of Limerick who were fighting for the return of 3,500 euro in security deposits for one property in Castletroy.
The accommodation office in UL informed these students that the landlord in question had been blacklisted from their brochure of off-campus accommodation.
Kevin Bonham, legal representative for Threshold, said: “We have had problems with this unregistered agent for many years and this year alone, we currently have three cases against him”.
The agent in question currently has 24 properties in and around Limerick city to let on popular property website Daft.
Ross Hilliard, a 2nd year engineering student in UL, is frustrated by the behaviour of this agency, “We ensured that the property was immaculately clean before leaving because we each wanted to get our euro 500 deposit back as it’s a lot of money to us”.
He said that they have prolonged the process of returning their money.
Ross called the agency in the presence of this newspaper to enquire about the whereabouts of his deposit and received a frosty reception.
The person from the agency claimed that a sum of money would be removed from the deposit for cleaning.
Bob Jordan, director of housing agency Threshold ,told the Limerick Post: “Landlords may only keep some or all of the deposit to cover rent arrears or the costs of repairing any damage above normal wear and tear”.
When Ross informed the agency of his tenancy rights, the individual refused to accept them and told him., “This is your opinion”.
As the conversation became heated, he was unable to come to an agreement with the agency and informed them that unless his security deposit was returned in full, he would he would pursue legal action.
The individual from the agency seemed unfazed and responded: “I have photographs of the property and if that’s what you wish to do, its okay but I know much more about this than you”.
Insulted by this patronising tone, Ross asked, “Are you an expert in taking peoples deposits from them?”.
The replied:, “Yes I am and I am a bigger expert than you in this area”.
Kevin has advised Ross and his former housemates to contact the PRTB (The Private Residential Tenancies Board) about his situation.
Jordan said: “the withholding of deposits from tenants continues to be our number one problem and to tackle this we have proposed that an independent body be introduced to handle security deposits”.
The Labour Party have also proposed the introduction of such a scheme which, they feel, would be fairer for clients and tenants.
Their local councillor Tom Shortt had this to say: “There are obviously situations where landlords have legitimate grounds to withhold deposits but some identify the vulnerability of young students and exploit this, and in such a scenario they should be named and shamed”.
Shortt feels that this is an area that needs to be highlighted. He said: “This is another hidden expense that third-level students are hit with every year and if fees are reintroduced, it will add to their financial burdens”.
Threshold advise all tenants in private rented accommodation to look at the housing agency’s 10 tips on getting your deposit back on their website before entering into a contract.
Mr Bonham concluded: “We would advise all tenants to ensure that the letting agent is licensed and has been registered with the revenue commissioners before entering into a contract”.
