Does a converted outbuilding need an EPC, planning permission etc?

RAS

Hi, in both your cases the LL is claiming that the occupier is a lodger not a tenant, albeit both are living in nexes separate from the house.

Deposits from lodgers do not need registering with any scheme, at least in England.

So you proactively need to write to the LL and ask for the deposit back within a timeframe you decide. If they don't act, send a letter before action.

[Deleted User]

It's true that the LL is treating the occupier as a tenant and acting as if this is the case, but it seems to be for their own benefit. In my own case, I have been treated as a lodger because it is more beneficial/ easy for the LL to do so as opposed to this actually being the reality. I agree that writing a letter would be a good first step, and you are armed with the information from Citizen's Advice if it needs to go further. Might even be worth giving them, and Shelter, a call for clarification. 

no_moolah

Just a quick update on this. The deposit was eventually returned in full after an email to the LL and the tenant has now moved out.

As for the flat itself, the university refused to look into it. Instead they relisted it on their website and have allegedly let it to another student. It seems the council weren't interested either despite an email to say the address for CT purposes was not the same as the main house. Not much else can be done without expending unecessary energy, I think.

Thank you again to everyone who has given advice. It was helpful to have some more experienced opinions to pass on, especially on the technical bits. Glad to have this saga over. All the best

FreeBear

no_moolah said: As for the flat itself, the university refused to look into it. Instead they relisted it on their website and have allegedly let it to another student.

What does the Student Union have to say about it ?

no_moolah

FreeBear said:

no_moolah said: As for the flat itself, the university refused to look into it. Instead they relisted it on their website and have allegedly let it to another student.

What does the Student Union have to say about it ?

Yes, there is a distinction between the university and the Student Union, although it's one I don't fully understand. It sounds like the Union has been railing against this property portal for years (which is run by their colleagues in the university) because the way it is set up gives rogue landlords a free pass. So it turns out this is not the first time they've heard about flats like this one. They've offered to help put in a formal complaint to the university to try and get something to stick. I don't know if it will go ahead as it requires statements etc but there's a limited time window so I'll update when I know more...