April '07 Legislation Changes
I've heard that there is a new scheme for tenants to safeguard their deposits given to landlords. I've asked my landlord about it, but I'm not sure he is part of the scheme. What should I do?
From 6 April, anyone signing a tenancy agreement should check how his or her deposit will be protected. You still pay the deposit to the landlord/agent but the money must be safeguarded through a tenancy deposit protection scheme. The landlord has to give you details within 10 days or if not, there will be a help line you can ring yourself to check the situation. If your landlord has not given you details or put the deposit in an authorised scheme, you can take him/her to court where they will be ordered to repay the deposit / pay it into a scheme. He/she will also have to pay the tenant a fine of 3 times the deposit. You may decide not to pursue this course of action until you are ready to leave, in order not to jeopardise your tenancy. If you are given notice to quit, check that your deposit is protected; if it's not this may give you a defence against the eviction.
I work full-time but I'm having to take on increasing responsibility for the care of my elderly mother who is disabled. I'm worried about how I can fit this in with work. Is there anything I do?
From 6 April, all employees who are carers of adult dependents will have the right to ask for flexible working. A carer is defined as someone caring for a spouse, partner, near relative or someone unrelated living at the same address. If flexible working would help, talk to your employer to explore options such as compressed hours, flexitime, home working, job sharing, staggered hours or term-time working. There is a formal procedure to follow and he or she may only refuse your request where there is a recognised business reason for doing so. You provide your employer with a carefully thought out application in advance of when you would like the new work pattern to take effect. He or she then follows a set procedure to ensure that your request is considered seriously and a discussion takes place.
For more information see www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact Windermere CAB (above the library) 015394 46464