Landlord witholding deposit because of outstanding bills

tbs624

I agree with Paintpot - provided that you have given a proper forwarding address both to the LL and the utility companies it shouldn't be an issue. ( and, on a general note, LLs should actually give you confirmation of exactly what your deposit maybe used for at the start of your tenancy - sometimes this info is within the TA itself)

Give/post the LL a polite letter just confirming that you've moved out, left the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy (excepting fair wear & tear) , that you've taken meter readings and that you've provided the utility companies with your new address so that you can settle the bills promptly, and you look forward to the return of your deposit.

Generally, it's good for tenants to be able to say "I've cleaned the property & paid all bills up to date" if they are likely to have a deposit return difficulty and/or have been waiting several weeks to hear from the LL, but it doesn't sound as though this is the case for you.If your deposit has been scheme registered then he can't just make deductions without your agreement anyway.

Good luck with getting the return of your deposit - hope you have some funds left over after paying out for the ever-increasing gas/elec costs.

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3plus1

When I rented a house in England, my landlord paid off my final utility bills with my deposit and then sent me a cheque for whatever was left. (With a copy of the receipts, obviously, so I knew I hadn't been had!;)) Actually, this spared me a lot of hassle because I was moving abroad for a bit. Was grateful for it!

Could you maybe have a word with your landlord and explain that you need the deposit money back to pay off your final utility bills or if he's not happy to release the money, could he then just settle the bills instead with your deposit?

I don't think your landlord is an ogre; he's just worried about getting everything tied up okay. This sounds like something you can work out easily with a chat. Good luck!:)

GarethK

Very helpful advice given, thank you!

GarethK

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

I will be requesting my deposit back, but cannot find the ID number and an email i got shortly after it went into the DPS is on an old hard drive when my motherboard died. I think the landlord has to authorise the release of the deposit?

Whilst i see the landlords point of view, the landlord also knew our financial difficulties, and this is the reason why we left at the end of our fixed period. Rent was always paid swiftly into the landlords account and the house was spotless and immaculate when we left.

I explained because of the work issues that there wasnt enough funds to cover the bills until the deposit came back, i have written a polite email as i certainly do not want any raised tempers over this, we always got on very well throughout the tenancy period.

I wouldnt have a problem with the outstanding amounts taken out of the deposit, but as mentioned under the data protection act only the account holder can talk to the utility companies.

I've mentioned that it will take up to 5 days to get final bills, and until the deposit comes back, i can do nothing to settle the bills. I start a new job end of August so money will be coming back in, but i dont want this dragging out for weeks, were i in a better financial situation it would all be sorted within a few days but i didnt expect to be losing my job and losing the house we worked hard to keep in exceptional condition.

Gareth

redcar_2

Do you know roughly how much extra you need to pay to settle the bills - going by the latest readings they used to bill you and the ones when you moved out. If you put these calculations to the landlord then perhaps you can negotiate return of a reasonable remainder of the deposit so you can settle these in the meantime and then get the balance through when you have evidence of this having been done.

I can't see legally that the landlord can hold this money but perhaps showing him there isn't a massive lurking problem with the bills would help get the money more quickly for you.

In the meantime its probably worth getting confirmation that there are no other deductions that will be made, just in case anything else is later brought up.

GarethK

After writing an email i got a phone call and was told my situation was understood, and that the money would actually come out of their own pocket until the DPS processed the deposit, which i am assuming could be directed back to the landlords account at my request. Bit of a result really! Will find out Monday exactly what happens, but it means i can pay the bills off more swiftly and get back a little bit plus any interest.

Gareth

ianian99

is your landlord going to check your credit card statements too? Whether you have paid ur bil or not has nothing to do with deposit.

GarethK

ianian99 wrote: »

is your landlord going to check your credit card statements too? Whether you have paid ur bil or not has nothing to do with deposit.

Good point, but as we are still on speaking terms and the situation is going to be resolved quickly i'm not too fussed now.

clutton_2

you can email the deposit scheme and they will re-send you your ID and.or password and you can get into your account and see what is happening yourself.

bazzais

Well done, great to hear its all worked out.

Ta

Baz