Landlord won't return deposit, won't give reason why!

Jedilibrarian

Hi all
Looking for some advice. I moved out of the property early March and my landlord still hasn't returned my deposit or given me ANY indication of why they have kept it.

After 2 months of phonecalls to my old letting agency (who work on behalf of another company-my landlord), I was getting nowhere despite being promised an invoice etc.

So 2 weeks ago I used the Shelter Scotland template letter to ask for a breakdown of deductions from my deposit, sent two copies off, using 'signed for' delivery and...nothing. :mad:

What options do I have now? Threaten court action?

Has anyone else here been through the small claims court process in Scotland?

Any and all advice appreciated, thanks.

G_M

Only a few Scottish experts here - one will be along.

But I believe it's a Small Claims Court action that's needed.

Jedilibrarian

Thanks for the link

theartfullodger

Was the signed-for letter signed for??

The only sure way to get deposit money out of uncooperative Scottish Landlords is the small-claims route (if the Sheriff agrees with your case).

Call Shelter Scotland 0808 800 4444 for more advice or use the links above.

I think small claim only costs £50-odd. In your shoes I'd fill in Form 1B
(see small claims form here..
http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/sheriff/small_claims/forms.asp
)


and send it (not signed for but with a **free** certificate of posting from a post office) to the Landlord, copy agent if you want to (& keep copy yourself) with a covering letter saying (something like) you'd like to avoid the costs & time of court but are quite prepared to go though with it if need be but can we sort this out like humans...

Best of luck!

Good news, that won't help your position, is that protected deposits are coming shortly to bonnie Scotland.

Cheers!

Jedilibrarian

Yes, they did sign for both letters.

Thanks for the advice

Protected deposits can't come quick enough!

G_M

Jedilibrarian wrote: »

Protected deposits can't come quick enough!

Lets just hope Eng/Wales doesn't recipricate by introducing Scotland's mandatory landlord registration scheme!

(now sitting back with a beer and awaiting irate tenants' reactions........)