Tenant wants deposit returned early

girl_withno_name

Hi - hoping for some advice please :-)

I've given my lodger 28 days notice which is up on 1st June.

She has asked to discuss the deposit as she has found somewhere to move to and needs to put deposit money down for that place. Presumably she's looking for me to return some/all of her deposit before actually moving out.

I'm uncomfortable with this idea, but wondered what others thought?

theartfullodger

I assume you've lived in the same property as lodger all (ALL!!) the time she was there.

If so I'd be inclined to agree, subject to her putting in writing 1st that she will definitely be departing by end 1st June.

IAmWales

She's a lodger not a tenant.

Has she been a good lodger, any problems? Do you think she'll trash the place if you return it earlier? Would you like her to leave without a fuss?

Depending on the answers to the above I'd be inclined to help her out and repay it early.

parkrunner

girl_withno_name wrote: »

Hi - hoping for some advice please :-)

I've given my lodger 28 days notice which is up on 1st June.

She has asked to discuss the deposit as she has found somewhere to move to and needs to put deposit money down for that place. Presumably she's looking for me to return some/all of her deposit before actually moving out.

I'm uncomfortable with this idea, but wondered what others thought?

Do you trust her? How was she when you gave notice?

G_M

As others have said, it depends on your relationship with her and your level of trust.

The deposit is there to protect you in case your lodger leaves oweing rent, or having caused damage, or lost/stolen/ mislaid items of property.

If you feel confident, based on your knowledge of having lived with her for some time, that the above will not arise, and you wish to help her out, because of your relationship, then give jer the deposit.

If you have ay doubts, fear she may not pay some rent owed, or might cause damage etc (or already have done so), then politely explain that deposits are always returned after the contract has ended.

saajan_12

Only if there is no reason to expect deposit deductions:
* the final rent has been paid up to the lodger's expected move out date. Overstaying beyond a notice period in your contract is unlikely with a lodger as you can have them evicted and removed quickly.

* you check the room is free from damages - the lodger usually doesn't have the right to exclusive possession, but make sure you physically check the room, and agree any damages with the lodger before returning the deposit (minus these costs). There could be further accidental nicks and dents in the process of moving out, but less likely to be a major hole in the wall say. There could be intentional damage before they leave but presumably if you are choosing to live together, you know and trust the lodger not to do this.