Return of Tenancy Deposit

[milly143]

I really need some advice about reclaiming my deposit from a tenancy. My landlady advised us she needed to move back into the house and gave us her notice. Once all the details of our new house had been confirmed I arranged to meet her at the house on Monday to return the keys. She looked around the house (which we had cleaned from top to bottom) and when I asked if she had any issues with anything she said no. The rent was paid through a rent only service from a letting agent who also held the deposit. I called them today to ask when it would be returned and they advised me the landlady has said the delapidations in the house exceeded the deposit amount and they had returned the full amount to her - over £900.00! They told me I would need to contact her if I had a dispute but she is not returning my calls. I know we did not damage anything in the house so I really don't know how she can be claiming so much money. I have no idea what she is claiming it for. We rented the house before April 07 so I don't believe the deposit was covered by any protection scheme, as is now the law and I don't know where to go from here. Can anyone please give me any advice what to do. This is a huge amount of money to us.

[Kathyan]

Surely if the letting agent held the deposit, they are responsible for inspecting the house and returning your money? When we let our house, our letting agents did everything when the tenants moved out.

[Sandy-Wroe]

This seems a matter for The Small Claims court. Ask the letting agency for the address of the landlady and then write to her stating that if the deposit isn't refunded within 7 days you will be taking her to court.
You could contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for further advice.

[bizzylizzy]

Oooh poor you. We're tenants too and you do worry about the odd bad landlord. We had supper with friends recently, they had some other friends who were new 'landlords'. Honestly it was an eye opener. They seemed to be out for whatever they could get from their tenants deposit. I suspect this lady is just trying to make a bit of extra cash. Wear and tear is an accepted part of a tenancy as far as I'm aware, just as it would be if you lived in your own home. As long the place is left clean and tidy and the carpets cleaned, that should be fine. Deposits are supposed to cover any damage done to the property not covered by your insurance. I agree with the above, I'd call her bluff and take her to court, or at least pay a few quid for a solicitor's letter. I guess the lesson is to ask the landlord to sign a declaration when you show them 'round at the end of the tenancy otherwise it's your word against theirs if they decide to be difficult. I hope your new home is a nice one.