Anyway to get my holding deposit back, or did I make a mistake?

coffee_prince

Hi all

I was very close to moving into a room, I viewed the room, had a credit check paid a holding deposit of £150, and then a few days later the lockdown was annouced, so I put off moving in. The problem is that I am in a bit of a no-mans land. I am not sure when I will be moving, and I am not sure if the landlord still intends to keep the room for me etc. Are they still obliged to keep this money, is there any reasonable way they would return it to me? I don't think I will get it back but thought I would ask for advice on here, as the C19 did throw a spanner in the works. I have a feeling the landlord has tried to fill this room with another tenant and pocket my holding deposit, is that allowed? They have taken their ad off the internet.

greatcrested

Tenant or lodger? Does the landlord live in the property?

anselld

How much was the rent?  The maximum allowable holding deposit is 1 weeks rent.

greatcrested

anselld said:

How much was the rent?  The maximum allowable holding deposit is 1 weeks rent.

Assuming he's a tenant, yes.

[Deleted User]

What does the written agreement say about the holding deposit. LL has potentially turned away business in your favour. Discuss with landlord how you can comply with move in given social distancing rules.

coffee_prince

It's an ensuite room so it is £600 a month all inclusive.

The contract doesn't mention the holding deposit. I did not get the contract until I'd paid the holding deposit and the credit check had gone through. I am a little annoyed as I said I could move in beginning of next month, meaning my move in date was only delayed by 3-5 weeks due to the lockdown.

They have said they would like to have me still, but they said I should understand that they need to get the move filled. I've never really had a bad situation, and this is 10+ years of renting rooms.

Slithery

Why can't you move in now?

coffee_prince

A lot of things have been delayed due to the current situation.

Mickygg

Can’t you just have an open chat with the landlord? Many people are being kind right now (also many people are just plain old selfish such has food hoarding) but just speak to the landlord and explain you really need the deposit back, or agree to a future move in date.

All they can do is say no they are keeping the deposit, but if you don’t ask you don’t get.

sheramber

 As you want your deposit back ,  do you still intend to move in or are you using the current situation as an  excuse not to move  
Moving house is still allowed.
 

coffee_prince

I have asked to move in start of May. April was planned but with the lockdown I stayed here an month extra. The landlord for the new property is not returning my messages anymore.