Landlord won't return deposit

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quidsy wrote: »

Honestly, for 350 quid I wouldn't bother especially after having a 9 year tenecy & not having any deductions from deposit. I'd say walk away but I suppose it depends on how much 350 quid means to you.

I agree although it would really upset me to lose 350.00 but I think it may not be worth the hassle. It may cost more in the long run as other posters have mentioned.

anselld

tc1992 wrote: »

I lived in a flat for 9 years and moved out on the 27th of last month.
The flat was originally let through an agency, and then a couple of years into the tenancy the landlord stopped using them so any dealings with him were through his assistant.

i do not have any of the original paperwork. His assistant came round to expect the property and said that he was happy with the state of it. He is a good person and let me know that i would probably expect problems getting the deposit back (which is one month's rent).

The only direct contact info the landlord has given me over the years is his email I have his name, obviously. I have emailed him twice to try and sort this out and, no suprise, have not had a reply


Is there anything i can realistically do in order to get my money back? In all the time i was there no one inspected the property, or did any safety checks with the electricity (which i believe he is required to by law). I am just adding this last bit on the off chance it could be used against him if he continues tor refuse to pay.

Thankyou for any help!

It is worth pushing the deposit via small claims - it doesn't cost much.

It is worth reporting the non-completion of a gas safety check here ... https://extranet.hse.gov.uk/lfserver/external/lgsr1
... if only to stop the LL potentially killing the next tenant. (but you should have done it 8 years ago!!)

There is no requirement for electrical safety checks.

bitsandpieces

A small claims court claim for £350 won't cost you that much. People sometimes pay out when they get a letter before action or see a court claim has been filed - so it might not be that much hassle either. Your landlord presumably owns a property, so if they do refuse to pay you'll have various options to try to get your money out of them (eventually). It might be a bit of effort, but how long would you have to work to earn £350?

Personally, I'd pursue this type of thing as a matter of principle - I don't like being ripped off, and standing up to a landlord might put them off trying this with other tenants. Your call, of course, but for £350 it at least seems worth a letter!

tc1992

Hi

thanks again everybody. Yes what you are discussing is basically what i have been weighing up. £350 is not the end of the world, especially over 9 years, so i need to work out whether it is worth the financial / mental energy to pursue this . . and as much as i am trying to be practical (and not get angry), there is no doubt that the principle of him effectively stealing my money is playing a part as well. I think it is probably worth at least applying to the Small Claims court, and hopefully the threat of that will provoke him

As i said he is getting himself is serious problems elsewhere, and i am sure he will be going to court over other financial matters, so he might just want to get this out of the way, rather than facing another small claims.

dimbo61

If you can make an appointment with CAB or shelter as they may help you write a letter and guide you through the small claims process.
Even a letter may get results.
Can you check with the Letting Agents if they still have copies of the early AST and deposit taken.
The Landlord does not know you do not have the old AST or proof deposit was paid !!!!!
Formal Letter before action might do the trick