Previous Landlord problems

[darftblerk]

In order to provide a bit of background:

Moved in with a friend/work colleague, who also happens to own the property, and therefore I am a lodger. No inverntory was completed on moving into the house, and a deposit of £300 was paid to him. In return I received use of the house and garage, along with my bedroom.

Now after 8 months, I have moved on and rented a house with my girlfriend. I gave 1 months written notice to my landlord, and moved out on 21st June, after handing the keys back in (unfortunately the landlord made himself scarce during this period so I had to leave the keys in the house and lock the door on the way out).

Since the 21st June I have received telephone calls, emails at work and written letters pertaining to missing tools / items from the house. Unfortunately, some of the items that are claimed as missing actually belong to me! Therefore I have tried to be as amicable as possible, by replacing missing items (screwdrivers, spanners etc) with my own to keep the peace. This doesn't appear to be enough, my ex-landlord is now claiming that I have a small socket set that belongs to him. I have the socket set, but it certainly doesn't belong to him, it was given to me by my father as a 21st birthday present. This has obviously caused me some stress and upset.

Further to this, the ex-landlord has stated that there is some damage to a carpet in the bedroom. I have inspected this and agree that damage has occurred. A TV bracket on the wall gave way and my TV hit the floor hard, putting a split in the carpet. I have suggested that he check his household insurance for accidental damage and make a claim from his policy.

Unfortunately, he now appears to be dragging his heals, and I'm guessing I wont receive my depositi back within 28 days of quitting as originally intended. Going on the basis that he's not going to pay any of the deposit back, does anybody have suggestions for what to do at the end of the 28 days?

Further to this, my birthday has just passed, and a birthday present (money) from my parents and sister were sent to my landlords address by mistake. The landlord has ignored my request to provide me with this post and this is also causing me concern, both financially and emotionally. Further to this I accidentally left some paperwork in a filing cabinet in the house, this includes personal accounts (bills, invoices tax receipts etc), and after several written requests the landlord has still not returned this.

I'm guessing Small Claims Court would be the way to go, but does this guarentee my possessions back?

[Joa]

Hi I have noticed your post has been somewhat orphaned! Nevermind; here's what i think:
(1) deposit issue- standard approach,which you can learn from other posts about deposits. L/lord cannot withhold without a good reason, without evidence that he suferred some losses. No inventory, no such evidence.
(2)Your possessions and the post- l/lord is obliged to safely store your possessions for a reasonable time and he certainly must return them to you (even if he says you owe him anything). Otherwise, it's theft, IMHO.

What I'd suggest: write to him (adapt a template from the sticky on top of the forum) requsting the return of the deposit and your belongings and your post within 7 days. Say that you will be forced to (1) comence legal action for return of the deposit, (2) report a theft to the police with regards to your possessions and the mail.

By the way; whoever still sends money by post How can you be sure that it arrived at all?