Greedy Landlord

pmagroup

I recently vacated business premisies after 3 years of renting. The letting company thanked me for my tennancy and promised to return my deposit. 5 weeks after I left my deposit had still not been returned. I chased them for this. They sent me a letter stating that because I had been sent 20 letters regarding overdue rent during my tennancy there would be a charge of £20 + vat per letter! £464.13 in total. This is to be deducted from my deposit! I have checked over the tennancy agreement and there is no mention of a charge. Other than rent due and potential service costs, there appears to be no reference to a late rent payment charge. The service payment also makes clear that any service payment due must be notified to the tennant no more than 3 months after they are due with a breakdown of how they occured. None were recieved. (I do not think a potential service charge applies to the rent ?) The overdue letters do not state a late payment charge either. The overdue letters do contain a standard sentence regarding possible additional expenditure if the rent is not paid, but I never recieved during my tennacy any letters regarding a £20 charge per overdue letter. I was never more than 20 days late with the rent. Are the company entitled to make this charge after I have vacated the property and consequently reduce my deposit by this amount? I would be grateful for a response as I intend to pursue this matter through the courts in necessary.

Gorgeous_George

I doubt the charge would stand up in court if it is not mentioned in your agreement. There is usually a statment that interest will be charge at BR + 4% or so. Even if it was mentioned, just like bank charges, the charge should reflect the cost of providing the letter. With a LA, I expect the reasonable charge to be greater than that from a bank (less automation) but nearer £10 would, IMHO, be reasonable IF it was in the agreement.

I'd write to them and ask for the return of your money within 7 days after which you could lodge a claim in the small claims court.

Good luck!



GG

p.s. You posted this twice. You can delete the duplicate posting by select Edit and then Go Advanced.

p.p.s. n e c e s s a r y Never Eat Cheese Eat Sardine Sandwiches And Remain Young.

pmagroup

I really appreciate your advice. This is the first time I have used a forum like this. I will endevour to delete the first post and correct the spelling errors.

Gorgeous_George

Welcome. The 1st post will soon fall off the plot. Spelling is not important.

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.



GG

pmagroup

You are a clever individual. Once again thanks for taking the time and obvious effort to pacify a lesser mortal.