Letting agency fined for failing to protect tenancy deposit

Bowden Property Group Limited was fined at Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday for failing to protect a tenancy deposit of £900.

The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council against the company who failed to attend court. The agency was convicted in their absence for failing to secure the tenancy deposit.

The Private Tenancy (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Article 5B requires landlord/agent (the person who receives the deposit) to secure the tenant deposit within 28 days of receipt.

A Fixed Penalty Notice had been issued for £2,700 but was not paid, therefore Court action resulted. Bowden Property Group Limited was also fined £4,000 with additional costs of £123.