Please help re flat deposit

aderbyshirelad

I wouldn't even bother replying to either the LL or the LA.

They have both had plenty of time to sort this sorry mess out amicably and have not done so.

They have both been obstructive.

They have both ignored your reasonable requests.

They have both put you through hell.

Now, thanks to your sheer persistence, the great help and advice from people on this board and your following the correct proceedures -

They are both running scared - and so they should be.

Don't back down now. You are in the right. They are in the wrong. It's your money, not theirs.

HANG IN THERE...

Mrs_pbradley936

Agree with what has been said. You have been trying to sort this out amicably for months. Let them tell it all to the Court.

barnaby-bear

EagerLearner wrote:

Thanks all - so if we don't respond to the letting agent letter, we were just worried the court would hold that against us. I mean, if we don't respond doesn't it make us look like we are not prepared to negotiate...

Let's see what next week brings. She's ignored us so far, and is only now taking some action, even if it is via the letting agent.

If you do respond make it brief as in we are pursuing single route of contact via court as you've previously declared you as LA not involved, we have already pursued an amicable discussion and you have previously not responded and for clarity, to avoid confusion we have been advised to allow the matter to go to external arbitration. Personally I wouldn't bother - you offered them multiple chances and it's too near and debating/replying could confuse court case. Single process involving no further work, I wouldn't waste my time writing a letter back, that's where you started why go through it all again?

Make sure you make it clear they tried to charge and tried to avoid court papers.

Voyager2002

EagerLearner wrote:

UPDATE 09:22am - 13/09/06

Hi all,

Yesterday we came home to find we had a letter from the letting agent stating that the landlady wants to resolve this 'amicably' and that we should respond to each amount deducted with our comments.

If we can avoid it going to court it's probably best all round - help...

This is great news!

It means that she has received the court papers, and you have written proof that she has understood what they mean. As a bonus, the agent has got involved so they will be unable to deny responsibility if they too end up in court. Be sure to bring this letter with you to the court hearing.

There is no need to reply to this letter, but if you do so then be sure to mark your response with the words "Without Prejudice" so that they will not be allowed to show your letter to the court or use it against you. Probably it would be polite to let them know that you have received their letter, but personally all that I would say is remind them of the amount required (including court fees and interest).

No, you do not gain anything by avoiding going to court (except the time that a court hearing would take). Either you get the money, or the LL gets humiliated in court and ordered to pay you the money.

Anyway, well done for persevering and fighting so hard. You deserve every penny you get back, and you have also helped to protect any other tenant who might be in your position.

Mrs_pbradley936

If you reply at all simply say "I have your letter dated xxx upon which I do not propose to comment". Do not what ever you do get involved in debating the issues. You tried asking for that for months to no avail. The only reason they want to sort it out now is to call a halt to the court proceedings. The only way for that to happen is for them to pay you.

furndire

I have been reading this post for a while. I too am a landlady, and am really sickened by what your ex-landlady is doing. Stop being nice - go for it all - interest as well if you can!!. They are only stalling again.

irnbru_2

EagerLearner wrote:

Thanks all - so if we don't respond to the letting agent letter, we were just worried the court would hold that against us.

Well, if the court held that against you just think what it's going to hold against the LL

Stand firm and go to court.

clutton_2

""Stand firm and got to court." - YES !!!! hang on in there, ignore her, ignore them, don't respond, the court will sort it out. EVEN if you have to appear, you sit at a table with a bloke in a suit (judge), with a mate beside you for support, he asks you what your side of theh story is, he asks her what her side is, he makes the judgment - nothing to worry about, honest !!!!

tomstickland

Great news. Don't waste any more time on these people, let the court process work.

gimpymoo

I thought going by the title you were asking for donations? - LOL

The internet is great like that.. setup a paypal account and watch the money roll in.