Please can someone help me- unprotected bond.

Lettingissues77

Hiya, was hoping for advice and any relevant experiences? I had final inspection at my previous property on 17.10. Landlady wrote out a cheque for what she believed was full bond. (It was actually £100 short but I was too polite to query it) we had lived in property 4 years and had a good relationship. Me and husband were under the impression cheque would clear Friday. However landladys daughter text us Thursday evening to tell us they had cancelled cheque as we had not cleaned oven (this had been discussed before cheque was issued and I apologised I had forgot.) as well as fee for professional oven cleaner she would deduct £100 as light fitting needed changing.
A year ago I had a stroke and have suffered anxiety in the aftermath, which I was on medication for and also therapy. I have been making a great recovery and had been fine for months. The stress triggered two panic attacks on Thursday night and the anxiety kept me up most of the night. I was unable to go to work Friday for the first time in years (other than the period after stroke, which means Any holiday is unpaid. I also lost £10 incentive and the sick free extra day of holiday my work awards) When I began to ask for details about my bond, my landlady was unable to provide details of a bond scheme where my bond is held. In our tenancy agreement she states she will place it with DPS. I cannot find it through any database. After I have asked for details she has returned the full bond. No explanation or apology. I am tempted to not let this go as she knew all my personal circumstances, we've young children, I've been very ill, my husband has lost his job (the reason we are moving.) For 4 years we've been great tenants (she said so herself and offered to be a referee for us any time.)
Has anyone got experience of claiming for penalties off of landlord for not protecting bond? I don't mind putting time in. Plus my best friend is a solicitor so has offered her help? I don't care about making money on this, I just feel really angry that she hasn't followed the laws which should protect me.

G_M

Was your property in Eng/Wales? If so, read

* Deposits: payment, protection and return

Lettingissues77

It was in Wales. Thanks for the link. I didn't know that I should have looked into where my deposit was secured, but because it was in tenancy agreement I assumed they were doing things properly. I know I should be happy they returned bond, but they've only done that under threat of legal action and I feel like I wan't to pursue this because they should respect my rights.

pinkshoes

Just send her a letter asking for the bond to be returned in full within 14 days.

If she doesn't do this, write again, giving her a further 7 days, pointing out that as she didn't protect the deposit as per her legal oblgation, you will sue her for 3x the amount as you are legally permitted to do.

When she returns the deposit in full, just move on and forget it, as life is too short...

mrginge

pinkshoes wrote: »

Just send her a letter asking for the bond to be returned in full within 14 days.

If she doesn't do this, write again, giving her a further 7 days, pointing out that as she didn't protect the deposit as per her legal oblgation, you will sue her for 3x the amount as you are legally permitted to do.

When she returns the deposit in full, just move on and forget it, as life is too short...

Rtfs?

.......

Lettingissues77

Hi, I have received bond back now. But it took countless hours contact to achieve, and I have suffered as a consequence. If a week ago at final inspection any issues were raised I probably would have accepted them if I felt they were fair. My problem is more that landlord believed bond was theirs to threaten me with and legally they were in the wrong. Even if I spend 30hrs of my time chasing them I would happily do that with no reward. Because I feel they are in the wrong and haven't apologised..

Voyager2002

Have they now returned the full amount, or the amount missing the hundred pounds?

If some of the money is missing then you can begin the legal process and pursue them for the penalty for failure to protect your deposit. In any case, the best source of free advice on this is Shelter: their helpline is really good.

Lettingissues77

Thanks, they have now returned all bond, which I know is great, but I feel they've only done this because they have panicked, and I believe they shouldn't only be worried if someone threatens legal action.

Lettingissues77

Can I still claim penalty if bond has been returned? Thanks

ManuelG

Lettingissues77 wrote: »

For 4 years we've been great tenants (she said so herself and offered to be a referee for us any time.)

A reason to not push it if you've got your deposit back.

Lettingissues77

Thanks. Pretty sure she won't be a referee any more!