Tenancy Deposit drama makes EastEnders episode

EastEnders continued its tradition of tackling social issues head-on when it made a deposit dispute a key storyline. The recent depiction has been praised by the TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme), with the organisation saying it has brought to light important issues in the private rental sector. The plot centered on a landlord who returns to Albert Square with money problems. He decides to terminate a tenancy and uses the check out as an opportunity to make some money for himself. Although the property had been left in good condition, the landlord pours coffee over the carpet and blames the tenant, stating he’ll have to keep the deposit to until he knows how much it will cost to rectify the damage. “The vast majority of landlords look after their tenants and abide by the law, but there’s a small minority who don’t and that can be a problem if tenants are unaware of their rights.” While maybe not as thrilling as shady dealings, shootings and secret love children, the deposit storyline has brought into focus a number of issues that many landlords and tenants can relate to. As well as questioning whether the TV landlord had protected the tenant’s deposit, the…