Landlord not returning deposit

gemmyk16

I left my rented flat in September and the landlord hasn't given me back my deposit yet. I have written to him asking for the money back twice and also if he wasn't going to give it back a list of reasons as to why this was. My last letter to him was saying that I would be taking him to court. I then got a text off him saying that he had to replace the bed and there was marks on the carpet in the hallway. I dispute the bed as it was in fine condition when we left. We also had an extra week which was agreed throught text. He has now said that he doesn't charge by week only by month.

My question is, is it worth taking him to court to get my deposit back. The deposit we paid was £500

Biffa

When did you move in? If it was after April, your deposit should have kept in a scheme to protect deposits, in which case you should contact them to sortit out. Although it sounds like you probably moved in before April 2007 when the new law came in, so I would assume you would have to go to the small claims court to get it back.

Sorry it's not much help....

PasturesNew

Did you sign an inventory?
Was there an inventory signing-out session? With whom?
Did you take photos before/after?

Not sure about the week/month thing ...

Generali

Go to the CAB and they'll explain how to sue but it's pretty easy:

1. Write to ex-LL saying "Please return my deposit within 14 days or I'll sue".
2. 15 days later (if no deposit has arrived) write again saying, "Please return my deposit within 7 days or I'll sue".
3. 8 days later, lodge your claim at the local courts.

If the LL didn't take an inventory then he has no evidence that he should keep your money and so will be ordered to return it. You can also claim compensation for your time and hassle (I think £10 per hour or your hourly wage, whichever is lower is the norm).