How long does the landlord have to return the deposit?

penthouse89

Hello All,

My AST ended on the 6th of June for my previous flat, and I am still no further forward with the deposit return.

The agent have contacted me asking me to approve a £5 deduction from the deposit to cover some fees that were overlooked (in their error) at the start of the tenancy. I have agreed this.

What I'd like to know is how long does the landlord have to return my deposit?

At check out an agent was present, and carried out a comprehensive inspection of the property, where she stated that she was happy with the condition and the full deposit would be released.

I have exchanged a few emails with the agent and as of Friday afternoon they were still chasing the landlord to agree to release the deposit.

Can anyone give me any advice about how long I should wait?

My previous landlord released the deposit within a few days of the end of the AST, and I expected the same from this one. The let was managed by quite a large national chain of agents, and I've always dealt with them.

Some sources state the deposit should be released within 10 days of the end of the AST. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Regards

Mr_Moo_2

Which deposit protection scheme was it lodged with? Typically they have a process where you initiate recovery of your deposit via their website. Not entirely sure about the validity of the Agent taking "missed" charges out of the deposit but if its only a fiver........

Okydoky25

Have you been on your deposit schemes website and requested the return yourself? Do this should speed it up as I believe they then only have a certain time to agree or contest before its automatically refunded to you

penthouse89

The deposit is secured with Mydeposits.

I don't seem to have the deposit protection certificate - I don't recall receiving or being asked to countersign it, and it was only a 6 month AST. I have, however, checked that the deposit is secured with Mydeposits, and it definitely is.

My thoughts exactly with regards to the agent taking the missed charge, but I can handle a fiver, there are some handwritten adjustments on my original receipt which shows total amount adjusted by five pounds, but I'm not going to argue over it.

Mr_Moo_2

Ok, with My Deposits you don't need to initiate it - you've done the right thing by speaking to the Agent and they should release the money within 10 days. You can go onto the MD website to kick start a dispute resolution if you can't agree......

penthouse89

Thanks for your assistance.

I've just received the following mail from the agent:

Hi,

Nothing back from your landlords yet, but we do need to give them time to receive and read our check out report and as they are local I think it is likely they will pop over and inspect for themselves as well. I will chase up later on today and let you know if I get any further forward.

dotdash79

If they haven't agreed by the end of this week then I would start a dispute. 2 Weeks is long enough.

penthouse89

Thanks for the advice, I'll see how they respond.

The landlord lives close by and deals quite closely with the tenant in the shop that the flat belonged to, so I don't doubt the landlord will have already visited the flat and inspected.

moromir

I believe the LL has 10 working days in which to notify you of any proposed deductions or release the full deposit. If your tenancy terminated on the 6th then the 10 working days runs from the 7th so they'd have until and including the 21st to return it to you.

penthouse89

Update: Finally got approval from the landlord, YESTERDAY.

So now just waiting on the BACS transfer, which will probably be Monday in my account (not ideal, was hoping to shop for some new furniture this weekend!) but at least I'm getting back my deposit when so many don't.