deposit dispute

<sebb>

It is up to your landlord to prove damage, not for you to prove that you didn't. If you genuinely owe anything, the DPS will deduct it and you will have to pay.

poet123

My son is also having a similar dispute with his letting agent/LL. They are saying that weeds in the back garden mean a gardener is required, a sleeping bag left by the previous occupants( son thought they were flatmates and vice versa) is being charged as removal of rubbish, etc etc. Letting agent, is apparently in negotiation with LL as to how much should be witheld,but they moved out on june 30th and this has been going since then. Letting agent never returns calls, LL lives miles away and will not deal direct.

What procedures should be followed to take things further?

theartfullodger

The only gesture your Landlord deserves in a two-fingered one...

Cheers!

Lodger

tbs624

poet123 wrote: »

My son is also having a similar dispute with his letting agent/LL. They are saying that weeds in the back garden mean a gardener is required, a sleeping bag left by the previous occupants( son thought they were flatmates and vice versa) is being charged as removal of rubbish, etc etc. Letting agent, is apparently in negotiation with LL as to how much should be witheld,but they moved out on june 30th and this has been going since then. Letting agent never returns calls, LL lives miles away and will not deal direct.

What procedures should be followed to take things further?

Get son and co Ts ( if joint tenancy) to write formally requesting return of deposit and/or written details of any proposed deductions. State what attempts have been made so far by your son to discuss the matter - keep to facts only

If your son has genuine grounds to disagree with proposed deductions then he should challenge them using the deposit scheme arbitration system or the small claims court. ( assuming Eng/Wales property)

Was there an inventory done at the start of the tenancy?
If the garden was marked on a signed inventory as being weed free at the start then that is how it should be at the end of the tenancy.

Note that LA cannot negotiate on behalf of your son as he acts for the LL. Copy all letters to both LL and LA and try putting the magical words cc: Tenancy Relations Officer, Private Sector Rentals team, My Council at the bottom ( & send them a copy)