Correct actions to get deposit back

[Deleted User]

I don't know if it will help but have a look at the lock, key the name into YouTube and see if there's a way to unlock it. Without seeing it, its difficult to advise.

If you are prepared to pay, you need too look for a locksmith

Miranda25

It is a master padlock.
Could it be a trick from landlady to keep my deposit and do not pay back? Thank you.

anselld

Miranda25 wrote: »

It is a master padlock.
Could it be a trick from landlady to keep my deposit and do not pay back? Thank you.

Why are you convinced that this Landlady intends to keep your deposit?

Tell her you need the cases and therefore the key. What does she say about the key?

If she has lost it then it is for her to break in to the storage. Usually the easy weak points are to unscrew the bolt or the hinges but failing that, bolt cutters or a grinder to the padlock. But if you do so yourself you will no doubt be charged for any damage.

dancingfairy

I would give her a few days to unlock it for you (try and contact her- do you have a mobile no., Email address or anything?) If she does not open it i would try and cut the lock (assuming you can cut it open/ have a friend who can cut it open) and get your suitcases out and replace the lock (and leave her the key). Yes she could claim damage but if you leave her a new lock.. also she'd have to take you to court which she's unlikely to do over a lock but keep copies of any texts/ emails you send over proving you've given her notice and asked her politely to get your suitcases.
It sounds horribly stressful, I hope you can resolve this in a sensible way and don't have to start cutting the locks.
Df

G_M

Either

1) she has lost the key, in which case you need to push her to break in herself or get a locksmith, or

2) she is pretending to have lost the key (to hold your suitcases to ransom for some reason? to annoy you? in which case act as if 1) above is the case and get her to break in etc.........

If she won't break in, then you'll have to do it yourself. Write her a letter/note (be polite but firm, and re-cap all the times you've tried to get access, with dates) first and give her time, saying that you need your belongings and will have no option but to break in if she cannot give you access yourself.

Unfortunately it sounds like she may then use the broken lock as an excuse to hold onto your deposit. As the courts are then your only option, it is important you have a clear paper trail showing what happened, and that you were reasonable - hence the importance of the letter.

Pixie5740

Tell your landlady that you need your suitcases in order to pack and move. If she doesn't do anything about the padlock then you might be able to unscrew the hinges and open the door that way. A lot of people put heavy padlocks on shed doors but leave the hasp and hinges vulnerable to anyone with a screwdriver.

Miranda25

Thank you so much for all your responses.

How about a police? Could they be helpful in this situation?
Also I do not have a landlord lady's email address. She did not give it to me. I can only confirm our communication through text messages on the phone. Would it be enough?
Thank you.

G_M

Clearly the 'live-in lady' is your landlady. Since you share the property with her, you are a lodger.

See post 13.

Write her a letter at the address where you both live!

sgun

I have cut through a couple of Master padlocks quite easily with a hacksaw before, they aren't very strong. Also, they are very cheap so just buy a new one and leave it with her.