Deposit not returned - utility bills

[Scott.Birrell]

Hello everyone

I moved out of privately rented accomodation in July 2005 and since then have been trying to recover my deposit from the landlord.

When I moved out he requested that I sent him final bills for all utilities, due to one thing and another (my disorganization being one!) I didn't get round to this.

I have contacted him on numerous occasions by telephone only to be told that he didn;t have the final bills therefore I wont be getting my deposit back.

All the bills are paid and I have tried to get the final bills from the utility companies but they aren't interested in a closed account with no monies owing.

As far as I can see the landlord is not responsible for utilities as long as he can provide proof that his property had a tenant in for the period involved.

I have recently sent him a mildly worded letter giving him 14 days to return the deposit. If I still dont get it back wahts next? LBA? am I right about the utility bills?

Help please!!

Thanks and regards

Scott

[MrShed]

Utility bills have no bearing upon the deposit, and as such he has zero legal right to withhold the deposit on this basis.

[Scott.Birrell]

Thankyou Mr Shed, I reckon a more strongly worded letter is in order. I'll let you know how I get on.

Do you have any idea as to how I could verify that the utilities have no bearing on my deposit? Citizens advice??

Thanks

Scott

[MrShed]

It is just basically unwritten law, as established by case law. Were the bills in your own name, or the landlords?

[ozzywizard]

Utility bills follow the individual user not the property so cannot be held by the landlord if monies owed.