At the end of a Tenancy, has anyone EVER got all their Deposit back?

Answer 1

A few times .
But the most memorable was a time when all the other tenants had warned me of the unscrupulous business practices of our landlord . I had had a confrontation with him once, due to his double-billing for landscape up-keep . I had to physically threaten him when he tried to get away with it and stood right in my face telling me to pay the double-bill !! Apparently he was accustomed to strong-arming people and wasn't ready for someone to stand-up to him and challenge him . When it came time for my lease to expire, and I was moving anyway, everyone watched and waited for what they thought would be a fight (they all said that he never gives back a security deposit) . Well, my earlier confrontation, must have had a lasting effect. . . . .I got all but $3.50 back , without a single word !! The $3.50 was for a broken door catch, that broke when I was movin out !!

Answer 2

Tenants do get their depsoit back subject to inventory/inspection on expiry or temination of tenancy. If you have a dispute with the agent/landlord and you beleive you have kept the property in good condition with no damages, if they refuse to return all the deposit you can apply for the full deposit back via the small claims court, it will cost you approx £80-£120, but if you win, the agent has to pay your costs. The law is changing and the deposit will be held by a government licensed organisation and not the landlord, if there is a dispute a regulated procedure is in place and you have more chance of retrieving your depsosit. This will be compulsory from April i believe, it is fantastic news for tenants/.

Answer 3

Yes, on every occasion bar one. Twice I have had to threaten a landlord with a court injunction or small claims court action over a number of things.

Unfortunately it seems to be the trend amongst landlords that they are to try not returning deposits regardless of whether it is warranted or not as a way of making extra money from you. What you have to remember is that tenancy law is geared towards the tenant NOT the landlord - it is easier for a landlord to be unscrupulous than a tenant as the landlord holds your money. 99% of the time a tenant will win in small claims court.

Things are about to change with the introduction of a new government backed deposit scheme which should make the whole thing more above board.

I consider myself a perfect tenant asa I respect the properties I live in although I have got by by never completely trusting any landlord, by being meticulous in recording and problems/issues etc - always cover your back to the Nth degree as many private landlords are money grabbing c**ts. Unfortunately the previous landlord to the one I have now was a perfect example of this.

This all said I have had one superb landlord who was incredibly responsive and cared a great deal about his tenants. My current landlord is a huge company so I don't have any issues with them either; everything is done immediately.

Answer 4

YES! Every time I have rented (only 5 in my life time) I have gotten all of my deposit back. However once I had to argue with my landlord about it. She tried to keep my deposit because she said the oven was dirty. When you rent you must make sure you note any defects in the walls etc. If you can't prove the defect was pre-existing you may have a serious problem getting your deposit back. Some landlords (not most) will try to keep your deposit when it is not warranted. Most are pretty good about it especially if you ask the landlord to inspect the property when you move out. The key is you need to be present during the inspection and discuss any problems.

Answer 5

Yes. I always get my deposit back. All of it.

I take very good care of where I live, usually improving it so it looks even better than when I moved in. In fact, I have landlords who give me sterling letters of reference or say they hate to see me go. Once we had to work pretty hard to get the house back to specs cause we had a big party and someone punched a hole in the plaster wall; but we fixed it, and still got all the deposit back.

Answer 6

I have a rental property, and only one time did I have to keep the renter's deposit (out of about 7 total renters so far). They trashed the carpet and put deep scratches in the shower enclosure.

BTW, not all landlords are "rich". We had to relocate and our condo was in a market where they aren't selling, so we had to put it up for rent to pay the mortgage. Most of our tenants have higher disposable incomes then we do. They certainly drive nicer vehicles.

Answer 7

I was refused once, and given a reduced refund the other time for,"repairs", even though I did all the repairs ! Rich people will squeeze a Penny until Lincoln's tongue sticks out !

Answer 8

Here is a good site for you to look at

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm

Im gunna take lots of pictures and put part of a newspaper with the date on, in the picture so that if she says iv ruined her property and is keeping my money, I have proof to show I didnt and will get all my money back

Answer 9

Yes.
Yet theirs alot of issues about it also in Down Under & alot of people get robbed of thiers!

Answer 10

I did one time many years ago and was very surprised. I don't think it happens very much anymore b/c of outstanding balances, repairs, and general surlyness.