Letting Agent Keeping My Deposit (Again)

Muddyfingers

You'll have heard this time and time again and it seems to happen every time I end a tenancy agreement but I need some advise.

I recently ended a tenancy agreement and the LA sent an agent round to complete a checking out inspection. No problems reported. It's now five weeks later and I've just phoned the LA and they say the bath was cracked and needed replacing so I've got to pay for it. Therefore, no deposit return.

Here's my problem. The bath was cracked when we first moved in. There was no inventory for the house (six years ago) and no inventory issued to me with the agreement. The LA now says the cracked bath was not on their inventory(?) so I must have cracked it?

Honestly(!) the bath was cracked when we moved in but I didn't make a big deal as it didn't leak and there was no inventory. Am I stuffed?? Is it worth fighting or should I chalk it up to experience and move on?

PasturesNew

Ask to see this inventory, with your signature on it.
That'll stump them!

olly300

Do it in writing giving them 14 days to reply and keep copies.

Then after 14 days if they haven't paid up threaten court action.

merlinthehappypig

My understanding from this forum when it has come up previously is that without an inventory signed by both parties at the outset of the tenancy, the landlord cannot withold any of the deposit. You might need to take them to court, but just the threat should do the trick. Someone more experienced will be along soon to confirm this I expect.