Many landlords in Brighton and Hove are fiddling tenants out of their deposits because they know they can win without a fight.

The deposits, usually amounting to several hundred pounds, are not returned after a letting, even though there is no valid reason.

They know if they make returning the deposit as hard as possible, it is awkward, if not impossible, for tenants to take the action to get their cash back.

Brighton and Hove has a higher proportion of rented flats and houses than anywhere else in Britain.

Word has got around rogue landlords that not returning deposits is an easy way to make money out of tenants who usually have little money or legal knowledge.

It's high time there was a scheme to licence anyone involved in letting houses and flats so the rogues could be quickly brought to book.

At the same time there needs to be an independent agency where deposits can be lodged so they can be returned to tenants when there has been no damage.

A voluntary scheme in the city worked well but not enough landlords could be bothered to take part.

Reputable landlords and agents, who form the vast majority, will also be keen to stop the sizeable minority of villains from tarnishing their image.

There are plenty of tenants who do not deserve to keep their deposits but those with a clean record deserve all the protection they can get.