terrible problems with landlord,now concerned about deposit.

stressed_out_tenant

we have had endless problems with our landlord,mainly due to his failure to repair leaks and damp.we have had to get a solicitor involved but he has finally agreed to surrender the lease(16 months early).we just can't deal with the stress any more.now i am concerned that he will delay the return of the deposit(it is registered with a dps) to get revenge.i know it is a simple matter to go through small claims and i have no doubt that we would win any dispute(i have oodles of saved emails and damning documentation).however,i am time poor and so stressed out by 18 months of fighting with him that i am tempted not to pay my last month's rent and let him take it out of the deposit,agreeing to surrender the rest of the deposit(a further two weeks)against any repairs.there shouldn't be much as we will have it professionally cleaned and we haven't caused any unusual damage.
what do you think?

Worriedmummy

Hello, I don't know what the legally correct answer is and I'm sure I'll get jumped on for saying this- but as a tenant desperately trying to get my deposit back from the DPS (who are useless)- I absolutely wish I didn't pay my last few months rent!

stressed_out_tenant

that's exactly what i'm worried about!we won't get a good reference from him because of taking legal action against him,so i feel like i don't have a lot to lose...unless he decides to sue me for the rent instead!i know it's the wrong thing to do and i will definitely lose money but at least i won't lose my sanity!