Landlord won't give my deposit back?

Question

I was living in a house for nearly 3 years and i moved out, i gave him 650 for deposit and we went halfs on a washing machine so i gave him 150 just incase if i wanted to buy it, so he owes me 800, but now since i moved out he text me and said the bill for damages is 964, i cant see how it came to that much there was only the locks on the door broke but wear and tear happens,right, all he had to do was get new locks instead he got a new door, is this fair

Answer 1

if u r in the u.k  go to your local office and ask them to halp u sort it out  

Answer 2

Dont beat about the bush, if you have a genuine greivance, and you feel others would agree with you, then send him notice that unless he reimburses you the money owed within 7 days you will issue a small claim in the county court. You can do this on line, and, like I say if you are in the right, the court will award in your favour and make him pay up, (including the costs of you issuing the claim)

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/ind...

Thats the site, its easy and it gets results (ive used it to recover money)

Answer 3

If it is just general wear and tear, then the landlord should be fine with that, I think you should seek legal advice,  some landlords do try to keep hold of tenants deposits.  

Answer 4

You need expert advice. Of course, Landlords have money problems too!   But it needs to be ascertained who is legally in the right.  We don`t know the details.

Answer 5

what you need to do now is make sure you have proof you you gave him the deposit money! Does he have proof to the damages to the house or the door? The only way to get your money back is to prove that you did not damage the door..........get ahold of a local lanlord/tenant attorney or take him to small claims court! BELIEVE ME NOT ALL LANDLORDS ARE HONEST! The biggest thing to remember.......it is your word against his, if he has proof.............ur screwed.... if not, you have a real good chaNce of getting your money back................GOODLUCK

Answer 6

you have the right to request an itemized list showing where every penny has gone. Also that list should show invoice, recipts, ect. ( other words proof of purchase or order of service. Protect yourself and be firm becuase most landlords will take advantage and use up your deposit to fix something very small. I hope you have documentation on the exchange of money you both had with eachother so it can show you gave money to the landlord. Also pictures of items in questions will help protect you from the landlord over glorifying the damages. It is not fair and it seems like hes taking advantage of the situation to fix up his property and making you pay for it.

- Itemized list with proof of purchases and payment for service (invoice, Recipts, PHONE NUMBERS)

call the person who installed the door,(dont say you were tenant) and get his opinion

-make sure you document any conversation

- look up "tenant rights" to learn about your rights and protect yourself

-if he still insisting go to court, hes going to have prove damages and you have to prove that damages did not require his action.

$650 most likely you wont get back but if you had an agreement that you are both going to be owners of the washing machine since you are out then you should get your 150 becuase you dont have the rights as an owner to use the washing machine. it all depends on your agreement and this is only an argument you can use against him. NEVER GIVE MONEY WHEN YOU WONT ACTUALLY OWN SOMETHING IT IS HARD TO PROVE IN COURT.

lastly sue for your 150 and for your 650 and ask judge to demand that list

good luck

i was a landlord

by the way i am a landlord

Answer 7

Even a new door wouldn't cost that much. Landlords are the scum of the earth. It's quite a lot of money so I would see about taking it to court

Answer 8

no it is not fair but in most situations you would have to take him to court and prove that it was normal ware and tear and you would have to show that you deserved the deposit back and have the receipt proving that you paid him. he would have to show evidence to the judge showing that you had that much damage to the property. some states have a equal housing division or a fair renters division that can help. i would contact them if you can otherwise you will end up paying the difference or end up in court.

Answer 9

Yes, definitely go to the Citizen's Advice.  

Answer 10

He does not necessarily have to do the bare minimum to do repairs, but in the US he must give a detailed accounting, including copies of receipts if requested. Send him a request giving him 10 days to get such a list to you and if he doesn't (or you are not satisfied with it), file a small claims case against him. But be prepared to strongly argue your case, not just "this isn't fair."

Answer 11

He can't charge you for the door only the lock. He had to give you a written detailed list of all charges he is withholding for. You went half on a washer, but who's name is on the the receipt? If it's his and you took it with you he can charge you for it even though you paid half. If you think you are owed, sue in small claims

Answer 12

Check this website for guidance. http://www.londonlettingagency.com/depos...

Answer 13

Do what everyone said above and also use this as experience and when moving in to a new rented place, go over everything with the landlord of what is damaged and what is not (before moving in) and you both keep a copy.

Answer 14

I would go to citizens advise and also see a lawyer

Answer 15

Seems this happens lots, I had the same situation in April, I wrote to the ppl who leased the house and they sent letters back and forth to the owner, no outcome as yet, the previous tennant didnt get her refund either.. Try contacting CAB

Answer 16

Request from him a copy of all the invoices or quotes for the work listed. Take these to the citizens advise bureau. If he cannot produce quotes or invoices to the effect of the amount stated then he has no legal stand point for making the deductions against you.