Please help! Problems getting deposit back from Letting Agents!

kmh

Hi

I'm just after some advice.

We rented a property from a letting agent for three and a half years. We vacated the property on 31st October, and handed our keys back to the agent on the 1st November. Our notice actually ran until the 4th November however we were on holiday so handed the keys in early.

We were never asked to sign anything to say the keys were handed in, we never had a check out/walk round with inventory check, and we haven't been able to check our meters for electricity and water as it is in a locked place in the apartment complex grounds.

Our deposit of £490 is registered with the DPS, however we have started the repayment process, and the letting agents have said via the DPS that we are not getting any of the money back (i.e. Amount to be returned to tenants £0.00).

We were also without a fridge/freezer for the last 3 weeks of the tenancy, which the landlord was responsible for as per the tenancy agreement, it wasn't ours. It broke down and despite them getting an engineer out three days later, they never got it replaced.

I just want to know where I stand really. We had two property inspections BEFORE we moved out, however nobody came back to us to discuss anything, and therefore we weren't aware of any problems.

Any advice??

Thanks.

Yorkie1

Utility readings are separate from deposit issues. You need to find a way to get readings for the end of your tenancy - or asap. Otherwise you run the risk of being charged for future use.

Was there an inventory at the start? Did you take photos etc as evidence of the condition when you left the place?

The LL has to justify any deductions from the deposit - others will be able to advise specifically how you challenge what's been indicated.

kmh

Thank you for replying.

I've contacted the electricity and water supplier to tell them we have moved, however I need the letting agent to let me in to get a final meter reading as it's behind a locked gate in the apartment complex which we don't have access to.

No we didn't take any photos, there was an inventory at the start of the tenancy yes which I have still got. I've sent a second email to the letting agents, going to have to try ring them today.

*miaomiao*

Hi KMH,

A few things to start:

First, have a search of this forum about deposits. It's (sadly) a common thread discussed here.

Secondly, you need to begin corresponding with your LL/LA in writing (even if you send a copy by email also - in this case write at the bottom of each email "Copy sent by post"). Then when you do send this, get a free proof of posting certificate from your local post office. I would not discuss this issue by telephone or text message as you need to keep things in writing. Are you able to contact your LL directly? Do you have a correspondence address for them directly as it is the LL (not the LA) who is legally responsible for your tenancy and any deposit returns.

Thirdly, try to split your issues into individual areas so as to be clear. Your LL/LA should not be trying to charge you for utilities or council tax as these are accounts between you and the company providing them. Put it in writing now that you need access to the locked meters in the next 7 days (has anyone moved in as this would change the meter readings). The second issue of not returning the deposit, you need to ask in writing why they are not returning your deposit. Is it something to do with the fridge? I am confused about that point.

Fourth, call the DPS and ask questions about your deposit, like what reasons the LA/LL has given for returning none of your deposit. There is a process to go through and you should discuss this with them. You can also correspond with the DPS by email, which can help when things are in writing.

Come back here and tell us more details and then we can help you. Also, you need to say in which country you were renting.