Leaving Rented Accommodation, worried about deposit...

Astec

Thought I'd give an update...however there isn't much of one!

Emptied the property Thurs/Fri last week. Cleaned up well and tidied any blemishes.

Saw LL's son (he was doing viewing on other flat) on Thurs and asked about weekend opening times to drop off keys. He also mentioned that returning deposit not an issue as they know it in good cond. As they were shut on Sunday, I went Sat morning to return keys.

Staff at office couldn't get hold of LL, but said I can drop off keys. I said I want something to say they happy with property and deposit to be returned. Am happy to go to flat with them (it 2 min drive from office), or I can meet them there any time over the weekend.

Not heard anything since, so I've still got the keys...

So, a bit more background to this. I informed LL mid Oct that we were moving out. He asked if I giving months notice, I replied saying I need little more than a month to refurb new property, so beginning Dec. He said as we been such good tennants not an issue, just let him know as he flexible.

Rang 4th Dec saying we to start moving stuff, and will be done by following weekend. LL said he was unsure when we were moving, so needed fresh notice (now 3rd Jan)! However if someone else wanted to move in then we only charged to that point. I wasn't happy, but too busy with work and house move to kick up a fuss.

22rd Dec LL's office rang saying there were new tennants who wanted to move in start Jan, and wanted us to move out a week early to prepare the place. I said I'll happily move out early, but expect refund of a weeks rent, or we'll just stick it out to original date. Was told refund no issue, but check with LL. Rang a few times, no answer.

Rang office again for clarification of leaving date, but they now said no refund for extra week (when they asked me to leave early!), so I said I'll stick to original date as I'm paying for it anyway!

So glad I've now got my own place!!!

Astec

Btw, I noticed on another thread someone mentioned the need for Gas Safety Certificate. We've been here 3.5 years, have gas hob and boiler, never seen a cert and never had anyone in to do a check.

How can this be raised officially? Also, if it was uncompliant, can I claim compensation for when we were there, WITHOUT being dishonest (ie claiming ill effects as we are fine).

Tempted to come down on them, I can afford to lose a few hundred quid if needs be, can certainly afford to wait for a CJ!

EagerLearner

Hey Astec, good luck with yours, as we are pretty much in the same boat... except she has now 'found' additional items to add to her original £110, which she is holding over us, if we do not agree.
Spoke to DPS and they said that yes, a landlord can change their mind and add extra items on, even if the deposit refund process has been initiated, which I find crazy... as surely if they have initiated the process, it means they are happy that that is all they want to deduct and have received all quotes etc.

Astec

1 ft of snow, so had the day off yesterday :-)

Spoke to HSE over the phone. Safety cert is mandatory and must be given to us, we shouldn't be asking for it. 99% certain it was never done. LL it also a letting agent, so not exactly unaware.

Dropped off keys at LL office. Again told no problems verbally. Stated I NEEDED it in writing. Someone else had moved in (even though we still had keys), so said if there were issues then they shouldn't have moved in! Finally got something in writing and was promised deposit within 7 days.

Really disappointed with poor treatment. Not sure on how to proceed re Gas safety cert.