Fair resolution in my case would be to get my deposit back in full, as I haven't caused any of those damages. All the damages list by my landlord are all done a day after I handed over the keys of the property to him.

No worries. Based on you guys suggestions I think it makes sense to take my case to ADR first. If I don't get a fair resolution for my dispute I will consult county court. Thanks for your suggestions.

I wish I would have had a fair landlord like you. Thanks for your suggestions.

Hi Guys, Sorry if my questions have lead to this debate. Every one will have their own experience and opinion about a person or an organisation. Now, please guide me to resolve my issue. Thanks.

Hi Mariner51, Thanks for your reply. Are you saying all the 'move-out' inventories are done after the tenant hands over the keys and moves out of the property? If yes, what do you say about landlords who make small damages themselves and claim for huge chunk from tenants' deposit? This is exactly what has happened in my case. In fairness the move out inventory should be done in front of tenant and landlord should sign the check list after this. Once the keys are handed over the landlord should not be allowed for any claims.

Hi All, I want to clarify one more question. My landlord has protected the deposit in an insurance based company called mydeposits.co.uk rather than the proper deposit protection scheme. Could this be of any benefit for me? Does anyone know if mydeposit.co.uk is mostly in favour of landlord? please advise quickly, as I have very limited time. Thanks.

Thanks f16. Do you have any suggestions for me with the situation I'm in now? Thanks.

Hi Leonmassey, Thanks for your reply. Why do you say that TDS is a joke? If it is really in favour of landlord then what is the best avenue for me to get the justice on this? Thanks.

Hi All, I'm a tenant. I have lived in a property for 2.5 years. Recently ended the tenancy. My landlord is now not returning my deposit because he is saying I have made some damages. I totally disagree to all his claims. Below is the series of events that happened in the order. 1. First day of the tenancy (D1) landlord, letting agent and I took the inventory before move in. I and landlord signed the inventory list but the landlord didn't give me a copy. I asked him few times but no response. Till today I don't have that copy. 2. Last day of the tenancy (D2) landlord and letting agent did the move out inventory check and I was quitely cooperating with them without any rush. After inventory check was complete landlord said there are no claims as everything is clean and clear. I took the photos of that move out inventory list from my mobile phone. I handed over the property keys. I left the property. But few mins later I realized that I forgot to take signature on the move out inventory check list. Then immediately I called the landlord to inform him that I forgot to take his signature on the inventory list. He said he will sign it and send me the copy. I sent him a text to confirm this. But he didn't reply at all that day. Till today I don't have that signed copy. 3. Next day (D3) he sent me a email with the big list of damages and said he will deduct £480 from my deposit of £1500. 4. I replied to him on that day (D3) saying I disagree to his claims, as I'm genuinely not responsible for those damages. I'm pretty sure he has damaged them himself and wants to suck money from me. I looked at repairing cost for them in internet and to fix all the damages he listed it will cost not more than £15. But he is claiming £480 which is ridiculous! His flat is nearly 30 years old so he wants to replace these things with brand new materials from my money. 5. Next day (D4) he sent me another big and threatning email asking me to agree to his claims. 6. That day (D4) I phoned the company who has secured my deposit. They insisted me to raise dispute against my landlord's claims. Subsequently I sent him an email stating I don't agree to his claims so I'm disputing this. Now the questions I have are: 1. Am I following the right approach to get my deposit back? 2. As the landlord has made these claims after completing the inventory checks will he have any chance to win this dispute? 3. Can I use my text message which I sent to him on (D2) to prove that the inventory was completed by him satisfactorily? 4. Can the landlord claim for any damage which are identified after handing over the keys? In my case actually the next day after I handed over the keys. Others things I want to share are during our stay at that property there were series of problems which he didn't fix despite reminding him several times. Now I'm very stressed because of all these games he is playing. Please advise on how to get my deposit back without any significant deductions. Almost every landlord causes such problems to most of the tenants when the time comes to refund the deposit. We have to change this culture! I don't like innocent tenants losing their hard earned money because of such rogue landlords. Thanks.