Estate agents playing hardball over desposit repayment

APM86

I've been given the runaround by an estate agent in regard to receiving my deposit back on a flat I had on a short tenancy (6months).
I moved out and handed the keys back on 3rd April which was in the agreed time. The flat was left clean and as far as I am aware there are no issues, and therefore no deductions to my deposit.
The estate agents have apparently posted the inspection report to me twice at the correct forwarding address, yet I have not received either copies.
In regard to the deposit, every time I call them I'm told either the Accounts Manager is busy and she will return your call, the receptionist will have to consult with manager etc etc. Basically just getting fobbed off.
I was wondering if there is a governing body I can contact to apply some pressure to them, any help would be greatly appreciated.

RAS

In which scheme is your deposit registered as this is a legal requirement? What do the prescribed details say? Did you even get them?

APM86

Hi Ras,
The deposit is held by the DPS.
The terms of return are, 10 days after the completion of:

• Possession of the property has been returned to the landlord
• All keys have been returned
• Both parties accept deductions
• No claw back of housing benefit is due

I paid the full rent myself so I know the 4th criterion is no issue, the sticking point is the third, they seem to be holding back on allowing me the inspection report.
Is there no legal time frame from handing in keys to them inspecting the property?

ACG

Can you not ask them to email it or call in and collect it?

BitterAndTwisted

The first thing you should do is get onto the deposit-protection scheme's website and claim the whole of your deposit back. Now! In order to retain all or part of your deposit they will have to register a claim to from DPS at which point you will be able to ask for sight of their evidence. Which you could ask the scheme's arbitrators to investigate if you disagree with their proposed deductions.

If they claim to have forwarded copies of the check-out inventory by post have you requested a copy of same by email or asked if you can collect it?

This is all assuming that there was a dual-signed and dated check-in inventory at the start of your tenancy.