Rent money

[Scarlett]

I found a room I wanted to rent this year, and paid the landlord �325 for the month and �325 deposit. This was all done by bank transfer since the room was in Kent and I live in Dorset. He sent me a tenancy agreement by email, which of course I didn't physically sign. 2 weeks into the first month ( I wasn't actually living in the room, he wanted paying from 15th august even though I wasn't moving til Sept) I had to defer. I asked him if I could have any money back. He replied that he would try and fill the room, and just didn't want to be out of pocket. which was fair enough.

2 weeks later, he is not replying to my email or texts. His wife died a few weeks ago and so he could be having problems emotionally. I am sure he HAs filled my room as it is right next to the University, and a nice house. But I have no way of finding out.

Since I never actually signed anything physically, am I entitled to my deposit back, at least? I mean, the deposit was for the room being returned in the original state- which it was!! Since I never moved in!