dont think deposits been protected what do i do?

maggie5

As the title says I don't think my deposit has been protected and not to sure on what to do about it. Was hoping to get advice from here.

My LA and LL are both not very good (i.e. took them 16 months to fix a tap!!!) and I know I have not got one piece of paperwork about my deposit, all it says on my contract and rent book is that there was a deposit paid. i didnt even get a rent book till after the first year (now been here a year and a half) and that was because i badagered them for it.

so do i tell them about the law and demand that its put in a deposit scheme, or do i leave it the way it is and see what happens at the end. i was thinking it might work in my favour to leave it and see what they are like when its time to move out because im sure they would not want to be hit with a fine (i am not planning on leaving the house a mess when i leave)

Also does it matter when they put it into a deposit scheme? i mean if i mentioned it to them now or even at the end could they then quickly rush it in and still be covered?

Cissi

AFAIK they can protect it at any time, even once you've started court proceedings against them.

maggie5

thanks cissi I don't really want to start proceedings and to be honest i don't really care where the money is at the moment as long as i get it back, so am i right in thinking that when the tenancy has ended they can still put it into the scheme to stop me from doing this?

Cissi

I didn't think you wanted to start court proceedings Yes, they can put it in a scheme at any point, but that will protect your rights, not stop you from getting the deposit back unless they are right to make any deductions due to damage etc.

maggie5

thanks for that, i don't mind paying for damages if there is some after all its only fair, the part that had concerned me the most was that if it takes 16 months to fix a tap how long would it be before i get my deposit back, the LA has the attitude of its the LL responsibilitie on things, and the LL has the "im working all the time" attitude so couldnt see things moving at good speeds

tbs624

Maggie - check for yourself whether your deposit has been registered see here - get it in
writing from each of the scheme's administrators and then write to the LA ( with a copy for the LL and one for your own records) insisting that the deposit is registered and that the provide the "prescribed information" to you, as required by law. They can do it online - its that straightforward, so there is *no* excuse for them not to get it done pronto.