student deposit returns

digit_2

Has anyone else had problems getting their deposit returned on rented accomodation?
After supporting my son through 7 years at Birmingham University (now succeeded in getting his doctorate) I always had problems getting my security deposit back.
I have successfully followed financial advice offered by this site in the past. I threatened to take this last firm to the small claims court and I would have. They have now returned my security deposit. Wish I had done this before.

manch235ter

digit wrote: »

Has anyone else had problems getting their deposit returned on rented accomodation?
After supporting my son through 7 years at Birmingham University (now succeeded in getting his doctorate) I always had problems getting my security deposit back.
I have successfully followed financial advice offered by this site in the past. I threatened to take this last firm to the small claims court and I would have. They have now returned my security deposit. Wish I had done this before.

a new scheme has been set up by the government for this reason... see

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm

This is also a step taken , incase "rogue" landlords , spent the deposit , and couldnt give it you back when you left the accomodation.

gunton10

this might be the wrong place to post this it shouldnt be on Freebies (no spend required) Board. maybe luck under the student board and post there

KatieKins

I haven't had this myself, but my dad lost the deposit on my brothers shared rented house in the 2nd year at uni, cos the landlord decided none of them filled a form out properly saying the final date they would leave and so they each (4 of them) lost the £350 deposit.

I think its all a bit of a racket to be honest, like my friend said, the agency is there to make money, so its either going to be out of you or the landlord.

Useful link thanks manch235ter

suzmitch

My husband and I live in the US. We recently spent a wonderful week in London. Because we really had wanted to get to know the city, we rented a flat for the week, through a property management agency. The agent we "worked with" was difficult, to say the least - - and I should have been forewarned by the fact that he required a security deposit of 595 GBP - - 100% of the weekly rate! I went ahead and paid it, because the advertisement for the apartment made it sound wonderful

Well, first of all the apartment, although well located, was hardly the "luxury flat" described in the advertisements. But now, I REALLY have a problem. I cannot get the rental agent to commit to returning my security deposit - - in response to my inquiries, he simply keeps sending emails saying "I have forwarded your request to the landlady and she will return your deposit in a timely fashion." He refuses to give me any direct contact information for the landlady.

I am really afraid I am being scammed, and that they have no intention of returning my security deposit - - they probably think I am some dumb American tourist who will just "go away". They are wrong, however, and I fully intend to pursue this...but I need some help. Are there particular private or governmental agencies with which I can register a complaint and who might be able to help me?

I would be VERY grateful for any advice you can provide. 595 GBP is a lot of money to me, and I really want to get this back.

thank you!!