Tenancy agreement issues

tbs624

ever wrote: »

Until very recently, I didn't have the money or opportunity to pursue court action because my husband (now separated) was extremely ill and I was barely able to leave the house because I had to care for him and our 2 children. I had contacted all of the protection schemes and obtained letters from them confirming that no deposit had been protected for this address with them, but then my husband fell ill and it went by the wayside as far as priorities.

Sorry that you have had a rough time. Note that court fees can be reduced/waived if you are on a limited income

ever wrote: »

As far as current, I've confirmed with my landlord that I will be refunded the entire deposit upon moving out (although I'm insisting on a walkthrough beforehand and will have her sign off an inventory checklist before leaving).

Confirming it with the LL and actually having the deposit in your mitt are of course different things. Photograph everything in detail when you are ready to move out - down lavvy pan, inside white goods on top of cupboards, garden area etc, even your meter readings. Number the photos and tie them in to specific parts in the inventory. Makes it much easier if there *is* a dispute.

If there are any proposed deductions with which you do not agree, you send the LL a letter before action (headed as such) mentioning that any necessary court action over your deposit return will include a claim for your court fees to be reimbursed by the LL, and then head to the small claims court

ever

Oh, definitely. I'm fairly confident because they're absolutely filthy rich (my landlord is actually 21 years old, her dad owns the house, and once told me that my rent, £530/month, is her pocket money. Thanks for rubbing it in!). I took loads of photos of the state when we moved in and will do so when I move out as well. The house was rewired because none of the sockets had earth (!!) and I insisted that she have someone come look at the wiring, only for them to find that it was seriously dangerous. As a result, the house was rewired and the walls torn up as a result by the electricians and the landlord never bothered fixing them, so it looks a disaster in every room at every point where there are/were switches and outlets. Anyway, that's the only damage that's been done to the house. Miraculously, through 3 years with 2 young kids, we haven't actually caused any damage!

Thank you for the advice re: a letter in case she does come up with some BS damage! Hopefully I won't have to use it!