Deposit Return Timeframe?

rusty-london

We've just moved out of a rental property and into our first bought place

The deposit with our old rental property was held by a deposit scheme and it's been almost 2 weeks since we checked out of the old place and we still haven't got the deposit back.
I called the letting agent today and was told that they are waiting for a reply from the LL confirming that there are no deductions.

We could really do with getting the money back as we've had a couple of unexpected problems with the new place which we need the deposit money to repair!

How long should it take to get it back?

tbs624

Don't be informal over a tenancy deposit return. Write to the LA today, recorded delivery - give dates of tenancy, address of property amount of deposit, confirm that rent was paid up to date and that you left the property in the same condition as when let , save for "fair wear and tear" (am assuming you did) and refer to your previous phone call and the LA's response.

Ask them to let you have the return of the deposit within the next 5 working days. If you don't have the LLs own address download it from the Land Registry (c4 quid) and send a copy of your letter there.(Ultimately, the return of the deposit is down to the LL rather than the LA)

Keep a copy of your letter. The LL/LA has to notify you *in writing* of any proposed deductions and you have the right to challenge those deductions if you think you have grounds to do so.

Do you have the "prescribed information" on the deposit scheme ( should have been passed to you by the LL)

B123_2

I'm having serious problems with deposit issues myself..and unfortunately, I am getting pretty well read on the matter..thanks to all on here.

You need to check that they did infact register your deposit, which can usually be done online. Don't take their word for it, and make sure you were provided with all the documentation needed. I have fallen into this trap before! The deposit should usually be returned to you within 10 days, or you should be informed of any deductions they wish to take.

Hopefully it would not come to this, but if it did : If they do inform you that they wish to withold your deposit, or an amount of your deposit, you will need to check with the scheme as to exact timescales. I know that for the TDS deposit scheme, the LL must inform you within 10 days of the end of tenancy as to how much money, if any, they wish to deduct. If you are not happy with this,you must inform them as soon as possible. This should be within 20 days of the end of tenancy. If this is not resolved you can then approach the deposit scheme for them to look into the case. I have been told by the TDS that you have 6 months to raise this with them.