Deposit return - agent closed?

Angepet

Hi all - ended tenancy recently and landlord happy to return deposit. However flat was originally rented via an agent which has now shut down, although they have other branches nationwide. The deposit was lodged in TDS by the agent, but despite the landlords best efforts he can't find anyone at another branch who can find the details  to release the deposit to us. We have now lodged a dispute with the TDS and the landlord is continuing to chase. He doesn't want to pay us himself as he never had the money in the first place. Is there anything else we can do?

BJV

I hate to say it, but I think you will have to wait. 

The landlord and the agent did the right and legal thing, lodging your deposit with a scheme. It is just a shame that no one in another branch can pick it up and help.

You could try to call TDS 0300 037 1000 to see if that helps, sometimes, it is just easier to talk to someone.

penners324

Chase TDS. 

pramsay13

If it has been lodged correctly all you need to do is request it to be returned from the deposit service.
If there is noone at the agency disputing the amount you will get it all returned to you. 
What is the timeline so far?

Angepet

We ended tenancy on 9th November. We can't claim it online as its been registered with TDS but held by the agent, so the agent has to release the money. I've tried ringing tds but it's a nightmare getting through, so lodged complaint online. 

theartfullodger

Your contract was with landlord, yes i appreciate agent probably handled everything.

Follow excellent advice on Shelter's website on getting deposit WITH LANDLORD and tds

propertyrental

It's the LL's problem, and the LL's responsinbility, not yours.

Yes, it's tough on the LL who did nothing wrong, but, well, it's part of running a business. Time to demand the LL return your deposit within, say 5 working days. Failing that, small claims court?

Angepet

Thanks all. We got on pretty well with the LL so I wanted to keep things amicable. He actually hasn't used the letting agency for a number of years so I'm wondering if he should have reregistered the deposit when he left them and began to manage the property himself. I'll see what the TDS say. 

propertyrental

Angepet said:

.............. He actually hasn't used the letting agency for a number of years so I'm wondering if he should have reregistered the deposit when he left them and began to manage the property himself. ...........

well that would have been the sensible course of action as I advise here

Post 9: Letting agents: how should a landlord select or sack?

GDB2222

A lot of chains of estate agents are separate franchised firms. If one of these ceased trading some years ago, none of the other firms will be very interested in sorting out any problems. Possibly a head office?

Really, it’s the landlord's responsibility to repay you out of his own pocket.  He chose the agent, and he chose to let them keep your deposit.