Shady landlord?

Phate06

Good evening everyone. I'll try to keep the waffling to a minimum, so here's my issue.
Looking to move, so looked at Tenancy agreement and the landlord has marked the deposit section with a N/A. I thought this was strange as I could swear I paid one. Checked emails and sure enough 1 month before the tenancy started he acknowledged payment I had made to him (via bank transfer) for the deposit and checks and confirmed this was acting as a reciept.
On the tenancy agreement it is stated the amount I paid there and then for the first months rent (1.5 x normal rent amount) and thereafter the amount to be paid. I remember paying cash to him on that day for the first months rent.
I am starting to wonder that when I give notice to leave, will he try and con the deposit out of me stating what I have paid him by bank transfer was the first months rent (deposit was same as first months rent) and there was no deposit?

I'm ready for a battle if so, but would like to be prepared if so.

agrinnall

Presumably then he hasn't protected your deposit and provided you with the information on where it is protected? Definitely shady, but you could be on a winner with this, as you may be able to sue him for 1 - 3 times the deposit amount.

Phate06

Well that's what I'm thinking as there is no details as he has essentially crossed the deposit section out.
I'm going to build up as much evidence as I can because I can see this heading towards the courts

G_M

I don't see the problem.

1) you paid a deposit and have a receipt

2) when you leave, ypu request the deposit back

3) presumably within 30 days of paying, you received the 'prescribed Information' advising you of the deposit protection? (see link belor)

4) if not, you'll be able to claim the penalty


* Deposits: payment, protection and return

FBaby

Checked emails and sure enough 1 month before the tenancy started he acknowledged payment I had made to him (via bank transfer) for the deposit and checks and confirmed this was acting as a reciept.

What sort of deposit? Deposit to hold the property for you and then do the check, or deposit for protection? If this happened one more prior to the start of the tenancy, it is more likely to be the former.

On the tenancy agreement it is stated the amount I paid there and then for the first months rent (1.5 x normal rent amount) and thereafter the amount to be paid. I remember paying cash to him on that day for the first months rent.

Does it say what it is you are supposed to be paying, or does it state that it is what you have paid in cash?

This does not say that you've paid a deposit. The 1.5 normal rent could be because you started the tenancy mid month and that took you to the first of the month after the next.

You signed the tenancy agreement that says N/A under deposit, so you really need to clarify exactly what you've paid and what for.