Deposit disputes

EmilyJ_2

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on the best way to dispute the deductions made from the deposit I got returned to me after moving out of a rented flat.

The deductions are all due to "landlord reported delapidations" and the letter (from the estate agent) makes it very clear that they want nothing to do with it, and if I have a problem I should take it up with the landlord.

I have absolutely no idea what my rights are in this situation - whether the estate agent I was dealing with should be involved, and how I go about trying to dispute the reported damages. What makes it a bit more complicated - and I completely acknowledge this is my own fault - Is that it's about 6 months ago that I moved out of the flat.

I've tried getting in touch with the landlord but to no avail. I don't know whether I have the right to keep pestering them or if there is even any point. If it turns out to be a situation of my word against there then I may as well just give up on this one. I just want to see if anyone has any ideas about whether there is any point chasing this up, and if there is, how to go about it.

Apologies for the massively rambling request!

Em

poppysarah

Was it in a scheme?

Do you have good evidence you left the place in a good condition?

Berkshiregirl

When did you start renting the property?

EmilyJ_2

Nope, unfortunately no evidence. This was my first time renting and I was very naive. I started renting in September 2007 and moved out September 2008.

clutton_2

do you have an inventory of the condition of the property when you moved in - signed by both you and the letting agent ?

how much is the deposit ?

did the estate agent manage the property/oganise repairs and do inspections during the year you lived there ?

EmilyJ_2

Yes there was an inventory signed by both of us. I'll have to go and dig that out and see if there's anything on there that could help me, nice idea. The problem is not so much that I'm paying for things that I didn't break - I did break stuff - it's more that I think the amount the landlord has quoted for each item and has therefore been deducted from my deposit, is more than it should be.

The deposit was £1,400 of which I got approximately half back.

During the year I was there the estate agent had a very hands off attitude, saying when I reported problems to them that I should speak to the landlord, not them.