Deposit disputes with my letting agents - can you help?

laidbackgjr

nzseries1 wrote: »

I did exactly this on the second occasion. However, the tenancy agreement specifically states I may be able to "claim damages" for this exact scenario. Exactly what does that mean?

Sorry to go on about it, but I just hated the fact they felt like they could let themselves in when they felt like it. My home is my quiet place and I do NOT want people coming through it.

It means that if the agent / landlord visited and broke your TV, you could "claim damages" i.e. cost of replacement TV from the agent / landlord.

BitterAndTwisted

If you didn't receive the check-in inventory and you didn't sign it at the start of your tenancy (I'd say that having to request a copy and not getting it until six months had expired couldn't be interpreted as "at the start") just dispute any proposed deductions from your deposit. The onus of proof is with the landlord or their agent to provide documentary evidence of their position. Without your dated signature on the check-in inventory they are going to have a very hard job indeed persuading the scheme's arbitrators.

nzseries1

Appreciate all your help everyone. It's nice to have a non-biased view on things!

G_M

nzseries1 wrote: »

.... If I have a "right to quiet enjoyment" of the property, but I can't do anything about it when they decide to let themselves in, then what's the point of having that right?

You can. And you did. You change the lock. You also WRITE to the landlord (did you do this?) reminding them of your right.

Bear in mind that whilst you have a right to quiet enjoyment, the landlord has a (sometimes conflicting) right, to enter the property to inspect, do repairs, in emergency etc.

By putting your views into WRITING, you make it harder for him to enforce HIS right to enter without a court order.

I did exactly this on the second occasion. However, the tenancy agreement specifically states I may be able to "claim damages" for this exact scenario. Exactly what does that mean?

"May" be able..... ie if something of yours is stolen/broken.

Kynthia

Admin charges shouldn't be taken from the deposit so dispute this. Also regrouting is either needed due to fair wear and tear which is not for the tenant to pay for, or is 'betterment' and the tenant shoukd only pay a percentage towards it. Therefore I suggest you dispute this deduction.

Have you disputed theses deductions in writing with the LA and raised a dispute with the deposit protection scheme? Do this now. By the way it's the LL you sue for the return of your deposit, if you don't use the deposit arbitration process, not the LA.