Tenants who encounter difficulties recovering their security deposits from landlords can seek assistance from the Rent Services Unit in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID), which helps facilitate communication between the parties and guides tenants through the process of pursuing a claim where disputes remain unresolved.

The process was outlined by Director of Rent Services, Mrs. Shenese Williams-Headlam, during a recent edition of the MEGID Insider, which examined issues affecting landlords and tenants.

Mrs. Williams-Headlam explained that tenants should first report the matter to the Unit’s inspectors, who will seek to establish why the deposit has not been returned and facilitate communication between the parties.

“The tenants would make a complaint to the inspectors that they are not getting the deposit and usually, we try to not mediate, because that’s a whole different function. But they try to have some kind of dispute resolution, where we call the landlord to ascertain why the deposit is not being returned.”

Mrs. Williams-Headlam further stated that where the matter remains unresolved, tenants may pursue a claim for the deposit, with the Rent Services Unit assisting with the preparation of the necessary documentation.

“If they are adamant that they are not returning the deposit, then the tenant may decide to sue for the deposit. We also assist them to take out the claim in terms of writing up the receipt, plate note and everything, and getting the file together to send to the tribunal.”

She also clarified that security deposits are allowed and explained the amounts typically collected based on whether the rental property is furnished or unfurnished.

“So it is for a furnished property, they may collect two. That’s how we have seen it. They collect one for the property itself, and then the other for their furniture. For an unfurnished apartment, one”, she explained, adding that the term apartment applies to any rented space.

The Rent Services Unit falls under the Ministry’s Housing portfolio and serves as the secretariat to the Rent Assessment Board. It assists landlords and tenants with information and guidance on rental matters, including security deposits, rent increases, notices, harassment and other disputes.

The Rent Services Unit is located at 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5, The Towers, on the 3rd Floor. Persons can also access information through the Rent Assessment Board’s website at rentassessmentboardjm.com.