Renewing Tenancy and original deposit amount problem!

General Discussion

Hi 

I wasnt really sure what title or category for this one:

Our tenants have been in their property since around 2007 and generally have been no problem over the years. The tenancy was in the name of the female tenant and her partner joined her later. But the tenancy remained in her name only. With all the changes that have taken place we thought we ought to get a new Tenancy Agreement with the male tenant as a joint tenant. He has been paying the rent with her via their joint account.

We have asked him to provide proof of right to rent which is going to be a driving licence.  Do we need to do anything else, particularly regarding the deposit. The original deposit of £675 was a month's rent at the time, This was paid by the woman at the time by herself as sole tenant.  It is in the Deposit Protection Service, been there for years.  However rents have risen over the years and she is now paying £975 pcm. When we renew the tenancy to include her partner, do we have to do anything with the deposit or can this still stand as is?  Are we meant to ask her to suddenly pay £300 extra as an additional deposit sum which is 4 weeks rent or can we leave it at £675? They would struggle to pay an extra £300 deposit.   Can we renew as is with the original deposit sum? Is there anything else we need to do?

Many thanks for your help!