Landlord being a tool.....legal help?

Craig_Donny

Right, i have rented a house for 4 and a half years at 550 a month. Recently i have bought a house and moved out. However my ex landlord is saying i cant get bond back of (£550) as it cost him "£2000" to put right.

Now when we look back we have never broke or damaged anything. Some of the things he is blammoing us for is for example. Carpet in bathroom needed replacing as we had to rip it out, due to the fact radiator leaked and it stunk and he said rip it up. He never came and fixed it, nor replaced carpet whilst we were there.

Also lino in downstairs toilet, again, a leak which he didn't repair caused the damaged.

One more is damp in conservatory. Told him as soon as it was spotted, he left it for a year until we moved out to sort, which meant it had mold etc.

We never missed a payment, never complained, and now after looking back on how he treated us we are so mad. Told him we will seek legal advice and he replied "go ahead"

He knows we don't have much money is there anything we can do for free to scare him into giving us the money etc?

Thanks

Craig

[Deleted User]

When did the tenancy commence, was it before April 2007? If not was your deposit protected?

Craig_Donny

Yes moved in aug 2008

casperlarue

3 words .... dual signed inventory
and
2 words .... protected deposit

Assuming you are in the UK..... were you given a signed inventory when you moved in, listing the condition of all items?

Did the landlord protect your deposit in one of the schemes and provide you with the prescribed info? I'm not exactly sure on the dates for when this requirement came in, may need further investigation.

The landlord cannot just withhold your deposit, it is up to him to provide proof that the property was given back in a worse condition than when the tenancy started, less fair wear and tear.

red40

Assuming the landlord hasnt protected your deposit you may want to read this https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/overview
followed by this
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/information-landlords-must-give-tenants
and finally onto this
https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/if-your-landlord-doesnt-protect-your-deposit

Craig_Donny

No inventory, No protected deposit. Its was through a management company however a year after taking it out he decided to do it him self. Suspecting he didnt pay tax etc

casperlarue

Oops looks like your landlord has dropped a clanger then..... he hasn't got a legal leg to stand on and can't withhold your deposit

Have a read of the links red40 has provided and get your money back!

IronWolf

If he didn't protect the deposit then sue him for it back, you will win.

BitterAndTwisted

No inventory. Non-protected deposit.

Send him a "Letter before Action" threatening to apply to the small claims court if he doesn't return your deposit within seven days. Also let him know that you would be entitled to ask the court to impose a penalty of three-times the deposit for non-protection.

If he doesn't repay you, do it.

Craig_Donny

Right okay, read those documents thanks very much! Also contacted a family friend who rents houses.

Said to contact him asking what the company and reference number was that the bond is held with. Did this and he text back saying "sorry but destroyed all documents relating to your house"

So going to go citizen advice monday, any other advice i should do before/after?

Thanks everyone! Your great!

casperlarue

Craig_Donny wrote: »

Right okay, read those documents thanks very much! Also contacted a family friend who rents houses.

Said to contact him asking what the company and reference number was that the bond is held with. Did this and he text back saying "sorry but destroyed all documents relating to your house" Then he's leaving himself wide open to be sued, and really (with his attitude) he deserves it! Just my opinion!

So going to go citizen advice monday, any other advice i should do before/after? B&T has given you the best advice, no need to take up CAB time, unless you want reassurance from them that it's the correct legal way to go. Write and send the letter, you my find your deposit appears rather quickly

Thanks everyone! Your great!

comments as above