I paid a 200 pound deposit to rent a room in a flat while I was a student from July 2005 to July 2006. During my last month there I accidently placed a hot pan on the kitchen work surface which then caused the coat of the work surface to burn. I told my landlord about this and he said he can't claim it off insurance. We decided that I'll pay for it out of my deposit and that he will send me a receipt and the remainder of the money (as it wasn't going to cost the whole 200 pounds). So far he has done nothing about the work surface and I have not heard anything from him since this conversation 5 months ago. I would like to know if I can do anything legally about this or is he entitled to keep the whole of my deposit without providing me with a receipt. I'm in great need of this money as I am still a student. I have written him letter, but before I send it I would just like to know where I stand on this matter. Thank you
2007-03-27 02:20:36 · 6 answers · asked by catfish 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Write him a formal letter asking for the money and informing him of your intention to pursue him through the small claims court if you don't get it.
Should do the trick.
2007-03-27 02:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would write him a letter to ask about the money but to tell you the truth if he doesn't want to give you the money back then you probably wont see it. If you think that a length of worksurface might cost say £50 to £100 depending on size and what it's made of . Also he would be able to charge you for getting someone in to fit it. You probably wouldn't get much change from £200 anyway. It would be a lot of hassle trying to get such a small sum of money through the small claims court.
He should still provide you with some sort of paper work with itemised costs, explaining why you have not had your deposit back, though.
2007-03-27 10:32:13 · answer #2 · answered by feebee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write to him, giving him a certain period of time in which to respond, say 7 days. Inform him that you will make a claim in the small claims court if you cannot come to a satisfactory agreement regarding the damages/deposit monies.
In all honesty, £200 wont go very far if he has to get a tradesman in and have the surface replaced, but he is legally obliged to itemise and provide proof of the work and monies spent, to you in writing.
2007-03-27 10:17:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not quite answering the exact question, but my Daughter was at Uni and Landlord asked for £400 bond which was paid. After two years she was told to leave the keys in the house and the bond would be sent on after a check was made. Guess what? she fell for it and sure enough Landlord said he had found some damage...I had been with her when she left so confirmed no damage. A personal call to his house did the trick!!!!!
The answer may have been to get the money off him on the day you left after asking him to check property...but no-one does, I'm sure they are all keen to get home...Landlords know this and I think make quite a good earner out of it as who can prove no damage was done when they have already left the property.
2007-03-27 22:05:59 · answer #4 · answered by Knownow't 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well its hard to say not knowing the laws where you are, but I would send the letter by certified mail and ask if he intends to refund the balance of your deposit, if not request a detailed charge of every penny spent to return the dwelling back to the way it was when you moved in. good luck
2007-03-27 09:31:38 · answer #5 · answered by just me #1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure you can - if you damaged something he will just keep it to replace it. I guess you can complain to the estate agent if you had one.
2007-03-27 09:26:51 · answer #6 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋