Tenancy deposit return

Mover2021

Hi all

Just seeking views on how long is reasonable to wait for a letting agency to be in touch about returning a deposit. 

My tenancy ended on 17/03, with the check out scheduled for 18/03 (I was told I couldn’t be there). Since then, nothing despite me getting in touch, so just over a week.  

Interested to hear how long others have waited…

Cheers

Slithery

When did you put in a claim for the return of your full deposit from the relevant scheme?

I've always done this the day after my tenancy has ended.

Mover2021

Thanks @Slithery - I did that last Friday. There was no mention of it in the check out document from the agency so I’d assumed (wrongly!) they would get in touch with me directly. 

canaldumidi

When you wrote asking how/where/when to return the keys, and asking when you would receive your deposit back or hear of any proposed deductions, how did they reply?

youth_leader

When I left my rented cottage I didn't hear about my deposit either, and chased the rental agency.  They told me the landlord had to approve the release, and chased him for me.

moneymoner

When I left my last tenancy my deposit was not returned until 2 months after vacating the property and handing the keys over. If you are with a tenancy deposit scheme then I'd expect at most 4 weeks to get your deposit back.

The property agents tried to hold onto my deposit even after it was released, I had to jump through loops to get it back though. From now on I'm goiing to withold my last 4 weeks rent instead so I'm not out of pocket when I vacate my next propery. The agents got my rent in advance so the least they should do is return my deposit on time. Renting is such a PITA and agents are all smiles when they are taking your money.

newsgroupmonkey_

moneymoner said:

When I left my last tenancy my deposit was not returned until 2 months after vacating the property and handing the keys over. If you are with a tenancy deposit scheme then I'd expect at most 4 weeks to get your deposit back.

The property agents tried to hold onto my deposit even after it was released, I had to jump through loops to get it back though. From now on I'm goiing to withold my last 4 weeks rent instead so I'm not out of pocket when I vacate my next propery. The agents got my rent in advance so the least they should do is return my deposit on time. Renting is such a PITA and agents are all smiles when they are taking your money.

I hope you don't need a reference. Withholding rent is quite serious.

dimbo61

According to the TDS website your Landlord should return the Deposit within 10 working days.
So 2 weeks MAX once you have requested it's return.

saajan_12

moneymoner said:

When I left my last tenancy my deposit was not returned until 2 months after vacating the property and handing the keys over. If you are with a tenancy deposit scheme then I'd expect at most 4 weeks to get your deposit back.

The property agents tried to hold onto my deposit even after it was released, I had to jump through loops to get it back though. From now on I'm goiing to withold my last 4 weeks rent instead so I'm not out of pocket when I vacate my next propery. The agents got my rent in advance so the least they should do is return my deposit on time. Renting is such a PITA and agents are all smiles when they are taking your money.

So intentionally breaching the agreement, and opening yourself up to late fees + court costs if they do have damages to recover. Hopefully they collected deposit in the amount of 5 weeks rent. 

Slithery

moneymoner said:

From now on I'm goiing to withold my last 4 weeks rent instead so I'm not out of pocket when I vacate my next propery.

A terrible idea...
Will you need a reference?
You'll still be liable for any deductions...
If you'd followed the proper procedure you would've had your money back earlier...

Mover2021

Thanks all. We did hear from the agent on Monday, confirming that the landlord does wish to make deductions from the deposit, and that they’ll let me know once they have a quote from her. Nothing yet… quite annoying, moving isn’t cheap and we could really do with the money!