When do i return the deposit???

barnaby-bear

IveSeenTheLight wrote: »

I also know as someone who just over a year ago bought a property off a guy who became bankrupt that I had to do quite a bit of work to diss-associate the property with the previous owner, in order to ensure that there was no link from their bad credit to the property.

I too bought a house off a bankrupt with more CCJs/DCAs/warrents/balliffs/unpaid utility, mobile phones, car credit than you'd have thought feasible chasing him but there are no links to the property or me. If a balliff turns up you show them proof you aren't the person, there's no link on my credit files.... There simply isn't a mechanism any more (and rightly) to link debts ensuing from debts via a contract with one person being linked to another. What did you have to dis-associate?

3plus1

zebulon wrote: »

mind you OP could be in scotland... and as far as I know the all deposit thingy is not in place here (or am i wrong!??)

No, you're correct. We don't have that scheme up here in Scotland - and not everyone who posts on MSE is from England.

IveSeenTheLight

zebulon wrote: »

Eeekk

Is it actually something you agree with the tenants at the start of the lease?
I would refuse to do the phone call bit you're tallking about (I already did actually).

This is just an option, obviously with the agreement of the tenant.
I am a very good landlord that markets my property just under the market rate meaning the tenants are getting a good deal.
I also respond immediately to any issues (actulally there have only been 3 small isuess as I like to maintain the properties)

I have never had a problem with this issue when I asked the tenants. Possibly this is because I have been a good landlord to them including returning the deposits immediately when they hand back the keys and therefore maybe the tenants are more likely to help tie up the loose ends.

I may have been fortunate but I have also chosen very good tenants.
A good LL / tenant relationship helps solve many issues

zebulon wrote: »

A piece of paper with final meter readings, checked and signed by LL and us, and a forwarding address. That's what I expect.

This is also an option that could be followed, but leaves that loose string of the final bill being paid.

zebulon wrote: »

I've had all my deposits return on the day or no more than 2 days later.
we've always left the places in perfect conditions so it helps I guess (also never had very dodgy LL, just one trying it on)
But I would be fine with having it returned a week later, up to 2.

Hence why I guess my tenants are happy to proove the outstanding bills have been paid upon leaving and they get their deposit returned immediately

zebulon wrote: »

Of course if you have dodgy tenants, who do not give forwarding address etc...

Hopefully I do not have dodgy tenants, but this is always a chance that we try to ensure the risk is minimised.