Getting stressed with DPS ....

Worriedmummy

Hi guys,
I have recently moved out of a rented house which was in the process of being reposessed from the landlady. (at this point she still owns it and is still the landlady).
My deposit is with the DPS and I informed them in March of the situation with the landlady.
I've been unable to contact the landlady for over a year- she hadn't answered my requests for boiler to be checked or my letters saying that I'm leaving the property. I've heard rumours she's left the country.
For the last year I've been paying my rent to PWC as they are receivers for all my landlady's (grace property) houses.
PWC however have not been granted landlord status and can't do anything about my deposit.
My keys were sent back to solicitors who are currently acting on behalf of the bank in the possession hearings. (I was given either this option or post keys back through the door!!)

Even though I've kept DPS fully informed they keep going back and forth saying they will try and contact the landlady, then they will contact PWC.. and then nothing until I chase them! My account has been suspended so I can't complete any of the single claim forms, the special ops team won't speak on the phone only email and just keep asking the same questions and saying they are looking into it...

Has anyone got any advice? Been through anything similar? Got any idea how long this will take?

Many thanks

Worriedmummy

Any advice would be gratefully received... Tried CAB who advised speaking to shelter, who seemed stumpted!

anselld

It might be worth trying this (from DPS T&Cs) ....

32. Complaints
a. The DPS aims to provide a fi rst class service to all Parties and to
do everything we can to ensure that you are satisfi ed. There are
procedures in place to help resolve all complaints effectively, a
copy of which can be provided on request.
b. If you ever feel that we have fallen short of this standard and that
you have cause for complaint, please contact us either:
by writing to: The Deposit Protection Service, The Pavilions,
Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6AA
OR
by email at: complaints@depositprotection.com
c. The DPS will treat all complaints seriously and investigate the
matter fully.

Worriedmummy

Thank you that's really helpful. I've just sent a complaint email so hopefully will get somewhere soon.

Can I also ask- do DPS normally send a cheque or bank transfer?

sammyjammy

This is disgusting, not something I've ever been involved in but from reading posts on the board I was of the understanding that if in a given period they cannot contact landlord then your deposit is returned in full. Did you contact them about the repossession etc before you put in your claim for your deposit to be returned? Maybe that's what has caused the diversion in the usual process.

Hope you get it back soon.

tbs624

Worriedmummy wrote: »

Can I also ask- do DPS normally send a cheque or bank transfer?

Repayment can be made via BACS or via cheque.

Send a copy of your complaint letter to your MP and to the Housing Minister. If Ts don't flag up the shortcomings of the way deposit registration works ( or doesn't) in reality then it gets assumed that alll is well with the system.

Please keep the thread updated as it can help any other Ts who find themselves in a similar situation to your own.

Have you tried tracking down the LL's current whereabouts yourself btw, via social networking sites etc?

Worriedmummy

Thanks everyone,

Yes I did contact the DPS as soon as we knew we were moving- I thought this would speed things up at the end, but I think you are right that it's actually just confused them even more!
They don't seem to understand that PWC can't make a decision as they were not granted landlord powers.

It's just so frustrating that you can't actually speak to the special ops team, as they just don't seem to understand my emails... I don't know how much clear I can be, but admit its a complicated situation and guess some tenants could have left properties a dump - I actually spent 2 days cleaning and touching up just in case the landlady did show up!

Writing to the mp and housing minister is a great idea- thanks for that.

I've done loads of Internet searches for my landlady, I've found bits and bobs, mainly other shocking things that her and her partner have been up to over the years. With regards to her current whereabouts though alls I can find is what looks like another property related business which has been started up at her business address.

If any does know what happened to them I'd live to know- I won't name them in full (even though a google search shows them), but it was MF of Grace property & co, nook bungalow.

Worriedmummy

A bit of an update- bit still no solution.

Made an official complaint on Thursday. Special ops team emailed me on Saturday to say they will (once again) contact all parties on Monday and get back to me by close of day Tuesday with whatever the proposed solution is..
Just had an email from complaints team to say that they won't uphold my complaint as they can see that the special ops team contacted me on Saturday...

colbourne

Hi,
Can anyone help me please. I am selling my property and wish to take out a mortgage to buy another property. Once i sell my property then i can pay the mortgage off. Would i have to pay capital gains tax on the property that i am selling which is my main residence.
Thanks

Takeaway_Addict

colbourne wrote: »

Hi,
Can anyone help me please. I am selling my property and wish to take out a mortgage to buy another property. Once i sell my property then i can pay the mortgage off. Would i have to pay capital gains tax on the property that i am selling which is my main residence.
Thanks

You need to start your own thread please, it gets confusing when people join other peoples threads...

girleight@

If you don't hear on Tuesday resubmit your complaint.