Deposit on Rented flat?

Adele2811

My husband and I are moving from one rented flat to another on Saturday. Our current landlord came round earlier today (my husband was there and I was at work) to inspect the property. She said everything was OK and that we would get our deposit back but she said she would need to give us a cheque. My husband told her that we needed it back in cash as we need to give a cash deposit to the landlord at the new flat. We originally paid the full deposit in cash. She said she would 'see what she could do' and would try to give us part cash part cheque. Can she do this? Surely as we gave her the deposit in cash we are entitled to get it back in cash? Without it we are unable to pay the deposit on the new flat. :mad:

sooz

Don't forget on the new flat your deposit will have to be part of a deposit scheme.

If your new landlord chooses to use the free deposit service, you won't have the option of having the money back as cash - it get's sent to your bank account after you have agreed on any dilapidations, and both emailed or called the DPS and then I think they need 14 working days (in total it'll be about a month).

So getting a cheque back on the day seems good in comparison!

scrummy_mummy_2

See if she can do a BACS transfer from thier lettings account to your banks account instead...it's free and quicker than a cheque.

EagerLearner

Having had a landlord who scr*wed us around for ages re giving our deposit back if I were you I'd take the cheque and run! Good luck with it - hopefully you can part pay some cash now and the rest early next week when cheque clars - surely new landlord will understand if old landlord gives a cheque. Or how about passing old landlord tel number to new landlord, then they can talk to them for reassurance that the cheque is genuine and you are good tenants etc.

pcwilkins

Adele2811 wrote: »

Surely as we gave her the deposit in cash we are entitled to get it back in cash?

I don't think so. She is returning the deposit --- the actual form of the money isn't relevant. After all, she doesn't have to give you the deposit back on the day you move anyway --- many LL's would inspect the flat after you'd left to check for damages etc, and then return the deposit a few days later.

Perhaps your new LL will understand if you explain the problem --- personally I would have thought the new LL would accept a cheque. If you turn up on the day with a cheque I'm sure he won't turn it down. Then your old LL's cheque will have time to clear into your account before your cheque gets taken out. Does that make sense?

Peter

caza1001

Your landlord can return the deposit anyway they see fit unless specified on the contract.

Your new landlord should not accept any form of deposit other than cleared funds on the day you move in. (not that I think you are dodgy - but its the only sensible thing). They may of course accept something else but thats for you to find out and discuss with them.

Adele2811

Well we spoke to the letting agency who are dealing with the new property and they said that we had to give them cleared funds, cash or a bankers draft, on the day we moved in. Thankfully I have very kind family who lent me the deposit in cash, which I will be paying back this afternoon as the cheque has cleared today!

alijay_3

Ask your LL if she could give you a bankers draft instead of a cheque - that way funds are cleared into your account on the same day.