Returning Lodger Deposit

Red_Baroness

I gave my lodger contractual notice of 4 weeks, despite her having breached the contract, and she is due to move out on Sunday.

Last night she demanded that I pay her deposit back in cash on Sunday. I don't normally do this, as there is no record as such. Also, it's going to be difficult for me to get it all out in time. I explained this and she became quite aggressive about it, stating that she owed the bank money and so it would effectively disappear.

She also may have broken the dishwasher, as she managed to yank some parts out of it yesterday. I'm going to try to put them back in to ascertain whether it needs repairing or not.

What would you do? I'm wondering whether I should try and get as much of it out in cash as I can, to avoid an altercation with her?

hazyjo

I'd have given far less notice than 4 weeks so think you're being very fair in that respect!

Are you saying you'd expect her to be responsible for the dishwasher repairs? I don't think you'd have a leg to stand on with that one.

I'd pay her cash but make sure you get a signed written receipt! Type something up, print two copies, and get her to sign both - along with your signature. Obviously say it's a cash payment on the receipt.

Jx

BitterAndTwisted

If I had a lodger who had busted my dishwasher I most certainly would expect them to pony up for the repair. OP, you haven't got much time to sort this out before Sunday. In the same circumstances I would retain a portion of the deposit to be returned at a later date once the dishwasher situation was certain. I mean, when a deposit is taken this is exactly the sort of thing it's taken for. Otherwise, why take one at all?

Red_Baroness

I got home yesterday, and the water spray thing (that sits below the first tray) was out on the worktop. She must have used some force when emptying the dishwasher for it to have come off completely. If I can't get it back in, or discover that it's actually broken, I will charge her for the repair. I know she's rough with the thing. I've seen how she loads and unloads it. Nearly all of my plates and bowls are chipped because of it. I'm not charging her for those, as I can't prove it was her, but obviously I know it was!

Will definitely get a signed receipt from her. Thanks.

Mrs_Arcanum

Replacement upper spray arms can be Googled for prices. Deduct this from the deposit.

Red_Baroness

I'm hoping to have a proper look at it tonight, but yes I could keep some back. I can just imagine her reaction to that though, as she claims it just dropped off!

She is off to Spain next week for a new job, which is why she wants cash on Sunday. She's hoping to skip off to Spain and not repay her bank charges I think.

BitterAndTwisted

Of course she'd claim it "just dropped off". It's a amazing what bad luck heavy-handed people can suffer when it's some-one else's stuff that gets broken.

If she's skipping off to Spain get ready for final demands and debt-collection letters to come through the letter-box.

Red_Baroness

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

If she's skipping off to Spain get ready for final demands and debt-collection letters to come through the letter-box.

Hmmm, hadn't thought of that.