What to do? Landlady withholding deposit for no reason

siliconbits

Hi there,

I left the property I used to rent more than one month ago. The landlady came and did the audit before I left. The flat which I was renting was left in a very good condition. I was assured at that time that my deposit would be given back. I have sent the keys and ever since, the landlady has been telling me she will transfer the money but nothing has happened yet. What can I do give the fact that the deposit was provided in October 2006, well before any governmental renting scheme were put in place.

Fire_Fox

Have you written to your landlady (recorded delivery) giving her a deadline by which to pay pay? Run a search on 'letter before action' as this has come up many times.

EagerLearner

If you do a detailed search for 'deposit' by EagerLearner (user) you can see my thread about the same thing, I hope it can help you if you need to go forward and the landlady is being difficult. Much kindness was bestowed upon me by kind folk here on MSE in that thread and I emerged victorious! Good luck and if I can help do PM me and I will do what I can x

PS: Put everything in writing asap just in case!

EDIT: > Aha, found it:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=227606

DVardysShadow

Did you at any time renew the tenancy? If so when?

siliconbits

The initial contract was for one year and then it was extended on a month-by-month basis for 24 successive months.

linlin_3

You need to write to her giving notice that you'll be taking her to court and hope this is enough to get her to refund the deposit.

I'd suggest something like:
"In accordance with HM Courts Service guidelines this letter provides notice of a claim against you for £xxx unless same is refunded to me within two weeks. The claim will include interest at a rate of 8% from (date when money was due back to you), thus a total of claim of £x is being prepared.

Should it be necessary to proceed with an official claim, I will on conclusion, be contacting the local council housing department who hold details of unscrupulous landlords."

Good luck