Non-return of Student accommodation deposit.

Rikki

The house was signed over, no problem. Final bills paid at bank as requested by landlord to get a stamped copy of bill. These bills then sent by recorded delivery to landlords home address. Four weeks later no sign of the deposit.

A letter has being drafted. Is there any points you think I need to make sure are included?

Lokolo

Is the deposit held in a deposit scheme?

Just say you will be contacting the deposit scheme holders within a week if nothing has changed.

If not. take him to court

Rikki

Lokolo wrote: »

Is the deposit held in a deposit scheme?

It was supposed to be, but we never heard about it.

welf_man

If it wasn't lodged with a deposit scheme, the LL is potentially in big trouble.

Did you find the property through the University's accommodation list? If so, send a polite letter to the LL saying that you intend to contact the relevant deposit scheme but you were never given the statutory notification (use that phrase) of which scheme was used, so you require the LL to supply the details now. CC it to the Accommodation Office (and state on the letter that you have done so).

If it wasn't off the accommodation list, then CC the letter to whoever at the University or Students' Union deals with housing advice.

Either way, this should put the wind right up the LL, as there is the possibility of a fine of 3 times the deposit for not lodging it with a scheme! Hopefully you will get the deposit back with no more problems, but if not do follow it up with the help of an adviser as it's really important LLs learn to take the schemes seriously.

Mel.

Rikki

Property Management, Student Rentals company is who it was rented through. Sourced, deposit paid to etc. Then any problems were dealt with direct with the landlord.
It was the landlord who signed the house off, took the final readings for the bills and said the deposit would be paid back.

welf_man

If you paid the deposit to a management company, then they are responsible for its repayment. Send the letter to them, CCed to the landlord and Accommodation Office / Adviser.

Mel.

princessj0

I'm in a similar situation... and I went to speak to someone about it. They told me to include a reminder to the landlord that the deposit is the tenants money, not an extra payment, and it is illegal to withold it without a valid reason.

And they also told me that I am to send about 3 letters, each setting time limits for the deposit to be returned, before I start threatening legal action.

[Deleted User]

If it wasn't protected you can take the LL to court and get 3x the deposit as compensation (plus the return of the original deposit). It's very straightforward small claims action. Go to a housing advice service or CAB for more info and help. Find your local CAB here

I'm a housing adviser and have taken a few of these cases to court. If it's not protected the LL has NO defence, the court MUST award the compensation.

mellymeep

All fine and well getting compensation awarded, but many landlords are completely above the law and getting the money actually paid to you is the hardest part.

I am very jaded after my terrible experiences with student landlords who think they can take me for a ride.

[Deleted User]

Just because they think they're above the law doesn't mean they are. If you get a judgment against them and they don't pay, you can get an enforcement order or get the bailiffs sent round, it's well worth doing.

Voyager2002

Shivster wrote: »

Just because they think they're above the law doesn't mean they are. If you get a judgment against them and they don't pay, you can get an enforcement order or get the bailiffs sent round, it's well worth doing.

Yes, maybe. But anyone who thinks this will always be easy should read the cautionary tale of EagerLearner's experience. Google should bring up the epic thread entitled "Please help with flat deposit".