What should I do?

Rachaelsum

Really hoping someone can help me with this...

I left my last rental property some months ago and my deposit still has not been returned. My landlord has told me that he intends to keep the entire sum yet has not told me why other than saying its for 'damages'. I left the property in good condition. My deposit is protected.

I never received an inventory when I began my tenancy but have been told that one was done a few weeks before my tenancy began. I also know that a inventory was done when I left, I paid for this, but this was only sent to me several weeks afterwards. He is now pushing for me to sign the exit inventory before letting me know of any deductions. I want to know what the deductions he wants to make so I can agree or disagree.
Where do I stand on this if I simply do not want to sign it because of a) never receiving a copy of the inventory on check in and b) receiving it many weeks after I had departed.
Thanks!

AdrianC

Deposit protection service's arbitration.

Grezz24

You need to find where your deposit is being held and lodge a claim to receive it back in full with all the supporting evidence that you have, especially around not receiving a check in inventory. Do not sign the exit inventory.

Any pictures you took before leaving should also be kept.

Id suggest doing this right now rather than putting it off.

The landlord can then attach any supporting evidence around any damages etc as part of the counter argument.

also read: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=67759912&postcount=3

muhandis

1. Ask your landlord to return the deposit in full IN WRITING.
2. Follow the steps in the Shelter guidance below if your landlord refuses to respond or fails to return your deposit.

[URL="1. Ask your landlord to return the deposit in full IN WRITING. 2. Follow the steps in the Shelter guidance below if your landlord refuses to respond or fails to return your deposit. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/how_to_get_your_tenancy_deposit_back From what you have said, it seems like the landlord is simply trying it on hoping that you don't know your rights or how deposit protection works.

Given what you have said, in your place, I would not agree to any deductions. If the landlord disagrees, raise a dispute with the relevant deposit protection scheme. Don't let it go!"]https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/how_to_get_your_tenancy_deposit_back[/URL]

From what you have said, it seems like the landlord is simply trying it on hoping that you don't know your rights or how deposit protection works.

Given what you have said, in your place, I would not agree to any deductions. If the landlord disagrees, raise a dispute with the relevant deposit protection scheme.

From experience, the adjudicators are fair, balanced and take a strict view of what damages can be claimed for and the supporting evidence submitted by the landlord. Without a proper inventory check in, it is very unlikely he'll be allowed any substantial claims that you dispute.

For whatever reasons, you have already left it very late, don't delay this any further, good luck!

ciderboy2009

Why don't you want to sign the exit inventory? Is there something on there that you don't agree with?

Did you ever sign the entry inventory? If not then there's no evidence that you ever agreed to it.

Personally I would put in a claim for your whole deposit to whoever is protecting it - that should force the landlord to give details of their claim.

Rachaelsum

Thank you for all of the response so far.

So an inventory check in does exist. It was just never provided to me until I left.

Its not really a matter of not wanting to sign the exit one due to its contents, its that it came to me so many weeks after I had left and only as a result of me asking when I could expect my deposit.

I had requested the deposit be returned in my letter that was submitted to end the tenancy.

I'm trying to understand if he is correct in withholding deduction breakdowns/reasons until the exit inventory is signed?

Thanks again

bigisi

Rachaelsum wrote: »

I'm trying to understand if he is correct in withholding deduction breakdowns/reasons until the exit inventory is signed?

Why? What difference does it make?

As you've been advised your best bet is to just find which scheme it is in (if any) and claim the whole thing back, any disputes can then be dealt with.

parkrunner

Rachaelsum wrote: »

Thank you for all of the response so far.

So an inventory check in does exist. It was just never provided to me until I left.

Its not really a matter of not wanting to sign the exit one due to its contents, its that it came to me so many weeks after I had left and only as a result of me asking when I could expect my deposit.

I had requested the deposit be returned in my letter that was submitted to end the tenancy.

I'm trying to understand if he is correct in withholding deduction breakdowns/reasons until the exit inventory is signed?

Thanks again

I'd say that a check in inventory without your signature is worthless. As already told just claim the full amount back from whichever protection scheme you are in.

muhandis

No, he can't hold on to your deposit indefinitely just because you won't sign a check out report.

The onus is on him to quantify the deductions and the reasons for them.

But the onus is on you to take it to a dispute if you think he is needlessly holding on to the deposit in the hope that you will give in and agree to some deduction.

When such a claim goes to a dispute, the adjudicator will typically expect to see the following - the tenancy agreement, inventory check-in and check-out reports and quotations/invoices/receipts to quantify the extent of the loss.

Your best bet is to raise a dispute following the instructions on the website of the deposit scheme that holds your money.

Rachaelsum wrote: »

I'm trying to understand if he is correct in withholding deduction breakdowns/reasons until the exit inventory is signed?

Thanks again

Rachaelsum

Thank you all. Ideally I wanted to try and sort it out with the landlord but it doesn't seem to be happening without a load of back and forth so I'll take the advise and raise a dispute.