Advice about non return of depositn

Gavin83

Hello all,

I moved out my flat around 6 weeks ago. I have seen a copy of the inventory and overall everything is positive besides a few minor issues I would expect to be deducted. The issue isn't disputing it however.

I rented my flat through an agency although the flat is owned by a landlord. I had no contact with the landlord during my tenancy and would always deal with the agency. I have made several requests for a return of the deposit but as of yet the landlord is failing to respond. The agency have stated they have contacted him several times but he isn't providing his feedback on the inventory.

I consider the amount of time the landlord is sitting on this as unreasonable and wish to know what my next steps should be. I'm aware I can make an application to the deposit scheme although as the agency apparently charge us for their involvement I'm keen to avoid this. However I appreciate the need to force the landlords hand on this as he clearly is in no rush.

Also will my dispute be with the landlord or should the agency be taking some responsibility for this? My landlord lives abroad so this may well complicate matters.

mgarl10024

Do you know which scheme your deposit is protected in?
Your landlord (or the agent) should have provided you with this information?

Pixie5740

Make a claim for your deposit back with whichever scheme it is registered with. See Deposits for more information.

It doesn't matter if the landlord used a letting agent your only contract is/was with the landlord.

Gavin83

Having checked all my paperwork it makes reference to Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (TDSL) with the website located at www.mydeposits.co.uk

G_M

Gavin83 wrote: »

Having checked all my paperwork it makes reference to Tenancy Deposit Solutions Ltd (TDSL) with the website located at www.mydeposits.co.uk

By 'your paperwork' do you mean:

a) documents, letters, tenancy agreement etc issued by the landlord/agent saying they 'will' register it with mydeposit
or
b) the Prescribed Information from mydepoaits itself?

Have you checked direct using the link pixie gave you above?
Have you followed the advice in the link re making a claim?

Gavin83

By paperwork I meant a reference to it in the tenancy agreement, under the section 'Deposit scheme operator'. However I never received any further paperwork. Having checked the website it says no record of our deposit can be found but I will ring them in the morning to confirm. Considering his poor grasp of UK tenancy law and how awkward he has been towards the end of our tenancy (including lack of communication) I'm willing to bet he hasn't secured it in a deposit scheme.

I have read the link and once I've confirmed with the deposit companies (I'll check the others too) I'll start investigating taking this down the legal route. Although I've always been told he lives abroad he does have a UK address on the tenancy agreement.