Withheld deposit

[Precious67]

My friend's ex landlord has withheld their deposit because they did not empty the vacuum cleaner! They left the flat damage free and cleaner than when they moved in, as the vacuum cleaner can prove. Can the landlord do this as this is the only reason he has given and if not, what can they do about it?

[Buenchico]

The answer to your question depends upon when your friend's tenancy commenced:

If the tenancy commenced on or after 06/04/07 the landlord was legally obliged to pay the deposit into a tenancy deposit scheme (or to pay a premium to an insurer, under the scheme, while actually retaining the deposit).

If your friends' tenancy commenced on or after that date, they should demand to know which scheme was used, and then use the dispute procedure provided under that scheme.

If your friends' tenancy commenced on or after that date but the landlord failed to comply with his legal obligation to use a tenancy deposit scheme, your friends should make an application to the county court. The landlord will be ordered to repay three times the tenancy deposit.

Further information, relating to the paragraphs above, can be found here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/ind ex.htm

If the tenancy commenced before 06/04/07 the rules relating to tenancy deposit schemes do not apply. Your friends should send the landlord a formal notice (by recorded delivery) stating that they demand immediate repayment of the money which is being unlawfully withheld. The notice should specify a period within which payment must be made (e.g. 7 days) in order to avoid court action. If no such payment is received, your friends should initiate formal action, either by using Money Claim Online (which is a service provided by Her Majesty's Courts Service) or through the local county court. Full information about both of those procedures can be found from here:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/c laims/index.htm

Chris

[Twenty20]

Are you honestly saying that he is withholding the deposit (maybe �500 to �1000+) for not emptying the vacuum cleaner?

I just find that very difficult to believe.

If it's true, then follow Chris' advice.

[Precious67]

Thanks for your help but as they are in Scotland there is no tenancy deposit scheme here and I would imagine the course they would take would be slightly different. They would rather try and sort it out amicably but he is having none of it. He also claims that he will have to pay someone to empty the vacuum cleaner!!! Nice job if you can get it. Anyhow because the deposit is �500 it seems as if they are going to have to see a solicitor.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Why not the small claims route

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/your_ri ghts/legal_system_scotland/small_claims_in_the _sheriff_court_scotland.htm