Getting deposit back?

adz595

I am renting a flat off a great landlord, sadly due to a change in circumstances, I am going to have to move. The problem being I need my deposit from this flat to place on the next one. Do you think it is acceptable to ask the landlord to return my deposit prior to moving out?

G_M

A common problem.

You can ask but only an idiot LL would agree.

Only after you have left can the LL tell if you have left damage/dirt/missing items etc.

That is the whole point of a deposit!

adz595

Well i rent through a company who just inspected my flat for the lease renewal. I would only want it the week I move out nothing too insane or demanding. He also knows I would pay for anything they deem damaged.
Luckily I have a very good LL.

G_M

adz595 wrote: »

Well i rent through a company who just inspected my flat for the lease renewal. I would only want it the week I move out nothing too insane or demanding. He also knows I would pay for anything they deem damaged.
Luckily I have a very good LL.

An inspection for potential renewal a week/month before the tenancy ends is NOT the same as (& no substitute for) a check-out inspection!

By "a very good LL" do you actually mean "a very naive LL"?

adz595

no no.... he has done all the work necessary and he knows the reason for my need to move. It is not just that I want to move... obviously you're not as a trusting LL.

G_M

adz595 wrote: »

no no.... he has done all the work necessary and he knows the reason for my need to move. It is not just that I want to move... obviously you're not as a trusting LL.

I run my BTL as a business. I consider myself a 'good' (your word) LL.

That means that in addition to complying with relevant law/regulations, I treat tenants fairly and with respect. I do more for them than the minimum required by law.

But it is a business, and I the asset I am 'trusting' them with is worth several £00,000, so yes, I use common sense to protect my asset.

The fact that I have friendly relations with most of my tenants, exchange gifts at Xmas etc, does not alter the fact that Iam their landlord, not their best buddy.

dancingfairy

I think a landlord would be extremley foolish to consider doing this, only because of the fact that you (or another tenant) could really do a lot of damage. They have taken a deposit to protect them from the risk that you could in theory cause damage to their property. If they give it back to you and you place it on another property, what's to stop you then trashng the place and doing a runner? I'm sure the chances would be fairly small but why would the landlord run the ris? what's in it for them?
If you are lucky and they are on the ball they may be able to give you the deposit back promptly.
I suggest you save up or borrow the minimum amount necessary to place as a deposit and then repay it as soon as the old deposit comes back.
You can of course ask the landlord nicely if they would consider releasing your deposit early but I can't think why they would.
Best of Luck
df

Guest101

You can ask, but it's unlikely they'd say yes. Can you not borrow from a friend/family, if your confident you'd get it back anyway