How many days do the landlord have to return my deposit?

Handsome90

Hello everyone,

I'm a tenant renting a flat through an agency. My tenancy ended at the end of last month and I moved out 1 week before the tenancy ended.

The lettings agency didn't return the deposit yet but will return it in August. It's stated in the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement that they have until August to return the deposit.

However, I thought the lettings agent had 10 working days to return the deposit after the tenancy ended (quoting from gov.uk website "At the end of your tenancy: If you and your landlord agree how much deposit you’ll get back, it must be returned to you within 10 days of the tenancy ending.")

So my question is, are they allowed to hold the deposit until August?

Thanks for reading

Guest101

No, or i VERY much doubt they are. Just send them a letter stating they have 5 days to return the deposit. Then start a dispute with the registered scheme

dimbo61

Ten WORKING days !!!!
So if your tenancy finished on the 30th of June they should have returned YOUR deposit by friday the 12th July.
Get on the phone on monday and ask for your full deposit back
Raise a dispute with the DPS people
Good Luck

Handsome90

Thank you. This is what I thought. I can't sign away my rights! And I believe this particular term is unfair.

I'll get straight to them today and if they are still maintaining this intransigent position, I'll contact the deposit protection scheme.

dodger1

https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/overview

thesaint

Who is holding the deposit?

Handsome90

Sorry for the late reply. I didn't notice there were more replies to this thread.

The deposit is registered with TDS; they registered it 5 months after the tenancy began but since they registered it before April 2012, I won't be able to take court action asking for compensation for 3X the deposit.

After taking advice from the Shelter and TDS, I have started the dispute process as LA is maintaing an intransigent position. TDS mentioned that LA actually have 10 days to return the deposit after asking for it.

Also, after I have started the dispute process the LA sent me a damage statement. Can you believe they are deducting my deposit for "damaged light bulbs!" They aren't damaged but the filament has burnt out so should fall under wear and tear.

LA have a few more days to reply to the dispute service. I'll keep everyone updated.

Thanks!

dodger1

I believe the replacing of light bulbs is the responsibility of the tenant.