Rental deposits

cherryblossomchris

Not sure if this is the right place and it may be a bit late to do anything about it now but i thought i would ask the question.

back in June 2008, i rented a room in a couples house. I paid the normal deposit and a months rent up front.

Due to various different reasons, i left there in January 2009.

After 2 months I finally got their final 'checkout list' which stated that i had broken various things etc etc and actually owed the £12.

I had a row with them over it and got nowhere so ended up out of pocket.

Was my deposit supposed to go into the deposit scheme at that time and if so (even if i cant do anything about it now) what could i do about it.

BitterAndTwisted

If you were a lodger then no, your deposit did not have to be protected.

sequence

Sue them in the small claims court.

Jowo_2

If they have kept your deposit and dispute this, then look at the Shelter website for info on how to get your deposit back. in the first instance, you should write a brief letter (the shelter website may have a template) disputing the deduction and requesting your deposit back (keeping proof that it's been sent), where you give them a deadline to return it, saying that you will take them to court if it isn't returned by then. Then take them to court if they ignore it. See the Moneyclaim site to do this online.

G_M

shelter advice

cherryblossomchris

would i still have a case for that now tho? it was years ago...

Jowo_2

I can't tell you how it works for small claims, though perhaps Shelter can advise or perhaps there's some info on the HM Court website, but in the case of CCJs and debts that commercial companies have, they have up to 6 years to bring action and enforce it before it expires.

cherryblossomchris

thanks guys.
have emailed shelter

G_M

6 years is the limit.