The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme (TDPS) came into force in April, making it compulsory for all landlords to join a scheme where tenants' deposits are held and disputes are mediated. However, many landlords still appear ignorant of the law, according to Buller Jeffries solicitors.

A spokesman told icBirmingham that there had been a sharp increase in the numbers of disputes relating to properties and tenancies.

He said the lack of detailed knowledge of the law was probably because most buy-to-let landlords owned property to provide a second income, rather than as their main business.