Suing Landlady - Costs

Generali

I'm taking my (very) old LL to court to get my deposit back from the theiving putain.

Question:

Can I include a night or 2 in a hotel in my costs? The hearing is near her and too far for me to be bothered to drive.

Subsidiary question:

Anyone know a nice hotel in Milton Keynes? The Novotel is in the lead at the moment but while nice, it's a bit of a soulless businessman getto.

pinkshoes

If it is deemed necessary that you attend the hearing, then I think a night at a hotel would be reasonable! Novotel are generally very good if they have good facilities, but I think there's a posh Hilton Hotel a couple of miles outside MK that might be better...

Generali

She's contesting it so I need to attend.

The Hilton is about double the price. Is there a limit to what I can claim? I am going to be expected to stay in a dossers hostel and have pot noodle for dinner?

coal9011

Its all at the judge's discretion.

Of course, if you don't WIN your claim for the return of your deposit then you won't get any of your costs back and will have to pay your dear old landlady's costs................................ "bless her!" :A

olly300

Generali wrote: »

She's contesting it so I need to attend.

The Hilton is about double the price. Is there a limit to what I can claim? I am going to be expected to stay in a dossers hostel and have pot noodle for dinner?

You may not get all your costs back even if you win all or part of your claim, so I think it's better for you to stay somewhere reasonably priced just in case.

Duff33_2

As others have said, err on the side of caution - if you lose or don't get the full amount you might be the one paying for this hotel!

Generali

Thanks for the warning! Novotel businessman getto it is. It looks quite nice as it goes.

I'll let you all know what happens. It's at the end of October.

mlz1413

Anyone know a nice hotel in Milton Keynes? The Novotel is in the lead at the moment but while nice, it's a bit of a soulless businessman getto.[/quote]
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Try www.smoothhound.co.uk MK is in buckinghamshire, fair few places on there for less than £40 per night.

There is a travel lodge in Marston Mortain which is really close to MK - if you book far enough in advance you can get a room for £25 per night.

Conrad

TIPS:

Ive taken a couple of non payers to Court in the past, so thought you may benefit from a few tips;

1) Keep it factual

2) Keep it to bullet points

3) Do not bring emmotional style ranting into play as this could indicate your judgement is clouded

4) Do not go off at tangents

Generali

Thanks Conrad.

It's actually Mrs Generali that'll be doing the arguing for this very reason! I will be looking after the kids.

lynzpower

Id definately keep it low on the hotel front mate.

If costs are awarded they have to be "reasonable" and I would say a hilton isnt reasonable if there are other cheaper options ( ie travellodge/ ibis etc) around.

Your more likely to get it if you are reasonable.

the other issue is that the LL might cough up before the court date, and you wouoldnt be able to add the room to your costs, (I dont think) so be frugal!