Subletting deposit

Jdr909

I’m currently in a shared house,where I had to pay £500 as a deposit before I moved , now I’m in the process of getting my own flat, I’ve asked what I can get my deposit back but the person hasn’t got it and it will take a couple of months (they are not the property landlord) I was also told my deposit will be put in a separate bank account , they have used it and not told me.

Is there anything I can do to get my deposit back ?

Pixie5740

Jdr909 wrote: »

I’m currently in a shared house,where I had to pay £500 as a deposit before I moved , now I’m in the process of getting my own flat, I’ve asked what I can get my deposit back but the person hasn’t got it and it will take a couple of months (they are not the property landlord) I was also told my deposit will be put in a separate bank account , they have used it and not told me.

Is there anything I can do to get my deposit back ?

1. Did you share your home with your landlord. Your landlord is not necessarily the same as the person named on the deeds of the property.

2. Who did you pay the deposit to? Your landlord or an outgoing tenant/lodger?

Jdr909

Yes I do share with them, I paid the landlord the person I am living with

Pixie5740

Jdr909 wrote: »

Yes I do share with them, I paid the landlord the person I am living with

That means you were an excluded occupier aka a lodger. Your landlord didn't have to protect your deposit but none the less that deposit it your money, not the landlords. It should not take a couple of months for your deposit to be returned because your landlord shouldn't have spent it.

Once you move out give your landlord a few days to return your deposit. When (s)he doesn't send your landlord a letter before action requesting the money to be returned to you within 14 days. If that doesn't work take your landlord to small claims court.

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

I certainly wouldn't wait around for a few months in the hope that the landlord returns my own money to me.