is this an unfair deposit deduction?

sarah_2277 · 11th August 2006, 11:54

Hello,

My sister was given notice on her rented property two months ago. She left on the 12th July and was told because a key had broken in the garage lock she'd have to pay for a new one. The letting agent deducted £200 from her deposit. Her friend lives across the road and the work was only done the other day, she didn't receive any proof to say how much the new lock and work cost. Just reading on her I was concerned that they are supposed to give you a breakdown before the work has been done. Is she in a position where she could claim some of that money back? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks

demon_x_slash · 11th August 2006, 13:33

I'd definitely ask for an invoice if I were her, with a complete breakdown, not just a single figure on headed paper. So, £xx for labour, £xx for new lock, £xx for new key etc.

PKea · 11th August 2006, 13:35

I think you should have been given the option to put the repaurs right yourslef first

Jhawc24 · 11th August 2006, 14:48

I found this template on another thread but you may be able to use this as an LBA letter.

Unfair deposit deductions

Good luck.

Rich44 · 11th August 2006, 16:16

You could even argue if the lock was old that the lock was faulty and the key snapped in it as a result under those circumstances I would say it was a fault and she shouldnt have paid anything.

there are a lot of landlords who see the deposit as a legitimate way to make more money when a tenant moves out (presumably in case it takes awhile to get someone in)

blacksheep1979 · 12th August 2006, 00:34

If it was a professional lock smith then it could be close to £200 to remove the old lock and fit a new one, but it does seem a little steep - ask for a breakdown

sohoscribbler · 12th August 2006, 01:08

I locked myself out one night and had to pay £111 to the locksmith to get me back in again. Still, it was educational to see how easily a professional can pick a lock, and I was surprised how much harder a Yale lock is to pick than most others.

Rich44 · 12th August 2006, 12:28

We had a professional locksmith out to fit a brand new security 5 lever deadlock to our front door and it has a lot of crappy quality glass in it and including the cost of the lock and fitting we paid £50

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