Landlord withholding deposit

CuriousJacko

Hi, I wonder if anyone could offer some advice with regards to a problem that I have.


Several months ago I sold my flat and rented it back from the person who bought it whilst waiting to purchase a house. All was well until it came to move out. Whilst moving I had a problem removing the washing machine which resulted in flooding to the kitchen and also, more crucially, damage to the downstairs property.


I was able to solve the problem in my flat fairly simply with no damage. The landlord has accepted that the property is in a good condition and that his only issue is with the damage to the flat below.


Because of this he is withholding part of my deposit to pay for repairs to the below flat. As far as I am aware the repairs should be covered by the buildings insurance of the management company. However, the chairman of the management company wishes for me to pay for the repairs to avoid a premium rise in the insurance hence the landlord holding the deposit until the matter is resolved.


Is it right that I should be held liable for something which is insured?

Foxy-Stoat_3

Is your deposit protected through the approved scheme?

You would need to read the buildings insurance policy to know if the damage from the washing machine is insured or not. I would suspect that if you caused the leak while moving the machine then very much doubt that the buildings insurance company will be liable unless it has accidental damage cover. If you paid a plumber to move it then that would be a different matter.

mrginge

If you caused the damage then you are liable.
You are aware that the insurer will just come after you to recover their costs aren't you?