Deposits unfairly taken

robert32

Hi there,

I've recently discovered a friend who rented a property a couple of years ago, but was denied refund of their deposit when there was no damage and was fully cleaned. The reason cited was that "professional cleaning was needed". Unfortunately, my friend is not from UK and is not aware of deposit protection scheme, etc.

What is the best course of action to try and recover this money, given:

1. DPS (or equivalent) was not used
2. No evidence was provided for the deposit not being returned.


A letter to the letting agent stating rights? Small claims court? Solicitors letter?


Any help would be appreciated!


Thanks...

pinkshoes

robert32 wrote: »

Hi there,

I've recently discovered a friend who rented a property a couple of years ago, but was denied refund of their deposit when there was no damage and was fully cleaned. The reason cited was that "professional cleaning was needed". Unfortunately, my friend is not from UK and is not aware of deposit protection scheme, etc.

What is the best course of action to try and recover this money, given:

1. DPS (or equivalent) was not used
2. No evidence was provided for the deposit not being returned.


A letter to the letting agent stating rights? Small claims court? Solicitors letter?


Any help would be appreciated!


Thanks...

A "letter before action " to the landlord demanding immediate return of the deposit (within 14 days) otherwise she will take him/her to court for 3x the amount for failing in their legal obligation to protect it.

Attach a proof of the deposot having been paid.

G_M

The penanlty for not protecting the deposit in a scheme can be claimed any time up to 7 years.


Though I've never been sure if the 7 year clock starts ticking from when the deposit was paid or the tenancy ended. The former I think.


So a letter to the landlord (copy to the agent) requesing return of the deposit, and pointing out the failure to comply with the Housing Act 2004 S242 as amended.