Landlord withdrew reference

cherryblossomzel

I got a reference from my old landlord through Keysafe. Since then things have been ticking on with the new place. The (new) landlord approved my application and the landlord and myself have signed the agreement (though the agency hasn't signed yet, I think). I've also paid the deposit, first month's rent and agency fees.

My old landlord contacted Keysafe this morning to withdraw his reference. Does anyone know what might happen? I can provide other landlord references, in fact have already given them contact details.

I'm worried that this is going to derail the whole thing, and I'm supposed to move in on Saturday,

princeofpounds

the landlord and myself have signed the agreement (though the agency hasn't signed yet, I think).

So it is a contract. The letting agent doesn't need to sign. I hope you have a copy

This is highly unlikely to derail anything by the way. The new LL has seen the reference and your credit checks etc., whilst the old one probably just doesn't want an indefinite reference sitting online.

cherryblossomzel

I hope you're right. The problem is that the old landlord has turned very vindictive. I told him that I would only provide him with a forwarding address once I have one (I am technically homeless at the moment, crashing at various friends' houses). He took this badly and emailed me this morning that he told keysafe he doesn't wish to be a reference anymore. I can't trust that he hasn't also spun the whole thing to make me look bad.

But if the new landlord's signature and mine constitute a contract, then all should be well. It was done via docusign so I have an electronic copy.

thesaint

Do you owe the old landlord money?

cherryblossomzel

No, I don't owe him money. He owes me my deposit, but says he's going to hang on to it for an unspecified time because I haven't given him a forwarding address. Actually, he does have a forwarding address to pay the deposit, as he said he'd send it to my work, which is fine by me. But he seems to think that my not giving him a home address is somehow sinister, even though I've explained several times that I don't actually have one yet.

HappyMJ

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

No, I don't owe him money. He owes me my deposit, but says he's going to hang on to it for an unspecified time because I haven't given him a forwarding address. Actually, he does have a forwarding address to pay the deposit, as he said he'd send it to my work, which is fine by me. But he seems to think that my not giving him a home address is somehow sinister, even though I've explained several times that I don't actually have one yet.

He shouldn't physically have your deposit. It should be lodged with a deposit protection service. You can claim it from there. You log on to their website and claim it that way. As long as your landlord hasn't lodged any objection then it will be clear for you to send to your bank account. If he hasn't done anything they'll give him so many days to make a decision before releasing it to you. You do not need an address.

cherryblossomzel

Sorry, I should have said earlier: it was a lodging arrangement, so the deposit is not protected. Honestly, I'm not that concerned with the deposit right now, I just don't want things to fall over right before I move into my new place. Permanent homelessness is not an attractive option.

princeofpounds

The problem is that the old landlord has turned very vindictive

Why did you leave an important detail like that out of your opening post?

Anyway, it's still unlikely to derail anything. You already have a contract as I have told you (just not a tenancy, which starts when you take possession of the property). Good luck, let us know how it goes.

thesaint

Just give him the address where you are currently living then.

cherryblossomzel

Well, thanks all for your help. I moved in on Saturday, no mention was made of the reference, so I think keysafe didn't even tell the agency. Needlessly worried .

The move-in wasn't smooth: the lock didn't work and a locksmith had to be called, the check-in clerk couldn't wait for this to be done so there is no inventory yet, and the carpeting (which was supposed to be fitted last week) wasn't in, but at least I did get in and all the other bits are getting sorted today...hopefully.

princeofpounds

Well, the lack of an incoming inventory is not an issue for you. Hope the carpet gets sorted ASAP. Thanks for the update.