Deposit not returned - what now?

scorpio_princess

clutton wrote: »

sorry you are getting stressed here - it wont help - i may have missed this - but is there an inventory for check in and check out ?

Yeah, but what a joke that was. When I moved in, I was given a blank property condition report, which I had to fill in myself, sign and return to them. No one from the letting agents ever accompanied me to the property - I even had to work out how to use the boiler and locate electric, gas and water meter myself. I took photos of everything though, just in case.

When it came to 'checking out', they sent me a letter detailing what I should do, how I should clean things etc. When I called to confirm my move date, I asked them if they'd come to check the place as I moved out and they said they don't do that - they just assume you clean place as directed in the letter. When I handed the keys in they weren't even going to give me a receipt for the keys! I asked for one of course - I don't trust anyone, least of all LAs - looks like I was right to not trust them!

clutton_2

what a load of amateurs - do you have the LLs address ? if so - why not write a polite letter to him telling him how poorly the LA is looking after his interests and ask him for the deposit - legally it is down to him anyway - even if the LA runs off with it.

scorpio_princess

clutton wrote: »

what a load of amateurs - do you have the LLs address ? if so - why not write a polite letter to him telling him how poorly the LA is looking after his interests and ask him for the deposit - legally it is down to him anyway - even if the LA runs off with it.

Panic over! The cheque arrived this morning! But as it's a flippin Saturday I can't bank it, which I think is exactly what they planned all along.

I don't have the LL address and even if I did, it would be pointless because the LL has actually sold the flat now. Thinking about it, that was probably half the problem - they were punishing me for losing the LLs business!

So glad I can draw a line under this - thanks everyone for your comments! It's good to have somewhere to turn when things go wrong.

ps Out of curiosity, how legal was the ' deposit return 28 days from vacating the property' clause in the contract - does anyone know? I know it's not relevant now as the TDS now deals with deposits, but I was just wondering. I know that sometimes these [STRIKE]scumbags[/STRIKE] LAs like to add things to a contract without checking their legality. Just because something is in a contract, does not make it legal!

Loretta

scorpio_princess wrote: »

I've already asked all the above questions, and got different answers each time, hence my exasperation! They are an independant letting agent, with only one branch, so the highest I can go is the mysterious 'partner', who the office staff seem to be scared of, and who also doesn't take calls. Wonder if he'd take a call from my local newspaper....

It's not like they're ignoring me/not answering calls, it's just that I keep being lied to - how do you make someone hand over cash that they really shouldn't have? I can yell and threaten til the cows come home, but all I really want is my money.

You should not be making phone calls, everything should be in writing now

clutton_2

glad it all got sorted