Deposit return - agent not returning calls and landlord apparently can't be contacted

Lauren555_2

Hi all,

I moved out of my rented flat 5 weeks ago and the checkout report was done a week later with inventory etc. When I got the inventory sent to me, I sent back a couple of queries on it (hooks on backs of doors that were not mentioned in the checkin report but they were already there, a couple of things that we took by accident when we left because we thought they were ours e.g. a bin and we've offered to return).

I have chased the agent about 4-5 times and he has replied to one email at the start of last week saying that he hasn't been able to get in touch with the landlord for feedback on the checkout report because he's in Singapore. I have tried to call him 3 times this week, and every time he is out of the office and doesn't call back. He also hasn't replied to my questions on the landlord's name and address and the tenancy deposit certificate code.

In my contract, it states that the agent must tell the tenant within 20 working days of the end of the tenancy if they intend to make any deductions. I know that we are liable for the cost of the checkout report (although I have no idea how much this is), but nobody has said anything about any other deductions. Can I use this to demand they pay me the rest?

I'm not really sure what to do next. I don't have time to call him during the day really, so I have to send emails when I finish work. I can't raise a dispute with the deposit scheme because I don't know the code. What's the next step? I'm getting a bit stressed about it, as it's a significant chunk of money and we have things we urgently need to pay for!!

benjus

Call the deposit scheme and ask them for the code, then dispute it.

PeacefulSlumber

Hi

I work for a local authority housing advice department and we see this all the time. You could go along to your local council and ask them to contact the agent on your behalf. It's amazing how quickly things can get moving once a council official calls to find out what the hold up is.

The service is free and not just for people in social housing, worth a phone call at least.

Good luck!

lighting_up_the_chalice

benjus wrote: »

Call the deposit scheme and ask them for the code, then dispute it.

The best advice you are going to get. Your circumstances are one of the reasons you now have this protection. Use it.

Lauren555_2

Thanks, I wasn't sure if I would be able to go down the dispute route if I didn't have the certificate code, but I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks!