Did the EastEnders script writers miss a trick – or could it possibly be that they have never heard of tenancy deposit protection?

A recent storyline has focused on wicked landlord Masood Ahmed and his lovely tenant Carmel Kazemi (no cliches there, then).

When Masood, who is facing financial difficulties, returns to Albert Square he terminates Carmel’s tenancy.

She asks for her deposit back but he says he needs to carry out an inspection first.

Although Carmel has left the property in good order, Masood attempts to sabotage the return of her deposit by pouring coffee over the carpet.

He then accuses her of causing the damage, claiming he has photographic evidence and will withhold the deposit until he has assessed the value of the repairs.

It’s only when Carmel threatens to expose Masood as a rogue that he returns the full deposit.

Well, that was probably a whole lot quicker than alternative dispute resolution.

However, it has given the Tenancy Deposit Scheme a very good excuse to highlight its work.

According to Mike Morgan, director of dispute resolution at TDS, there are tenants who are unaware of their rights.

He said: “Masood had a legal obligation to protect Carmel’s deposit with a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving the money.

“However, it’s not clear whether he did in the storyline.

“If Carmel’s deposit hadn’t been protected, she could have taken legal action against Masood for not complying with deposit protection legislation.

“Deposit protection schemes give landlords and tenants access to free alternative dispute resolution services, protecting both parties and resolving disagreements without having to go to court.”

Oh, and a check-in inventory would have been a good idea too.