Deposit dispute with tenants

FBaby

I think what they mean is you only hedge 3 months to start the single claim process and I vaguely remember reading that beyond that process the deposit agency will only release a deposit as per a court order. If that's the case you might indeed to take them all three to court.

G_M

You put in a single claim for the return of the deposit, less the agreed deduction.

the scheme contacts the tenant(s) to see if they agree or disagree.

If the tenant(s) fail to respond, the deposit is released to the claimant.

How could you employ an agent on a 'rent collection only' basis if you were abroad?
Who was managing the tenancy?
What address did the tenants have for serving notices? Obviously not the agents since they were mot managing the tenancy, so.....?
Who registered the deposit?

You have been niaive and unprofessional and now it's come back to bite, but still, follow the scheme's process.

[Deleted User]

What sort of items have been broken? Can they be cleaned or repaired? This might reduce your costs. They are by no means new so it looks like you may have to put this down as 'lesson learned' expenses.

Did you have an inventory and pictures taken before they moved in to establish what things looked like and state of repair? This would have helped your case with TDS and should always be done. Probably bolting the stable door after the horse has gone though.

If you don't, even if you were still within the three months, you would have difficulties getting much back from TDS, if anything. Do you have receipts for the damaged items?