Tenancy deposit hassles

foggydays

Hi, my first post! I am hoping someone can help, I have a painful landlord issue to deal with. I was renting a room in London, sharing with the owner and paid £370 as deposit. I was given a contract but never signed it (which I still have). There is a clause stating I had to stay 6 months but I left after a few months, he didn't seem at all fussed when I left. I gave him plenty of notice and he said he would pay me back within 30 days. But after moving out he got all heavy handed and refused to pay me my deposit back. I do have a handwritten receipt for £250 (I paid the remaining £120 the day I moved in) but is this enough to get my full deposit back? Do I just take him to court & bluff that I have a receipt for the full amount?

I'd be really grateful if someone could help!

Cheers

N79

So long as you have some evidence for paying the full deposit (cheque book, bank transfer, whatever) then there is no barrier to going to court. Even if you paid the remaining 120 in cash and have no proof then you can still go to court but obviously it is 50/50 whether the court believe you or the LL. Whatever you do, do not lie or imply in any document that you intend to use in court that you have a receipt for an amount that you, in fact, don't have a receipt. This will destroy your credibility in court.

foggydays

Thanks for your help! I'll see how I go.......