Yes, actually we started the single claim process for the whole deposit. Before that, and in our attempted negotiations we were prepared to loose a small amount - not because we thought it was fair, but because we thought it might grease the wheels of the LL and angents into getting some cash for releasing the rest to us. But 4 months later the LL was still insiting he wanted £400. Part of the problem I think is that the LL is a bit *flexible* with his understanding of UK housing regulations and law... Untill I warned him (and despite the Agency being paid to manage the property) he would turn up at our door and want to walk around promising to do various things that never got done, and at the same time preach to us about how we should be married like he is! He was some sort of Jazz trumpet player from the west indies I believe, and had probably chewed on one to many mushrooms!! Anyway its a good point to ask for the undisputed sum. Will look into it and let you know what the outcome is.

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Well currently we are waiting to recieve the initial evidence forms from the DPS. My Partner spoke to the Letting agency and they confirmed that they have submitted the initial form that states that they do want to deduct the money. So it's a waiting game ATM. I had wanted to issue a money claim (via the online gov site), but I just havn't the time to organise it properly. And I wasn't sure if a counter-claim is ok to do whilst the DPS are supposed to be dealing with it (?). I agree that the agents and LL try to drag things to try and wear people down into letting some of the money go. We were fortunate on this occassion that we didn't *need* the deposit back to re-invest in the place we moved to. Don't get me wrong, that cash would have been excellent, but we scraped by. At least the interest is being added the whole time! We had considered waiting about 20 years to claim it back in the hope that the Agents would be out of business and the DPS would not have been able to contact them, so by default we would have got our money back! But that idea seemed a bit far out. Anyway, I'll keep you posted on developments.

Hi there, everyone here seems really helpful, so I am hoping someone might be able to reasure or offer advice on the following... I rented a flat for 1 year for which the tenancy ended in June 08. My deposit is being held by the DPS, and I am now in the early stages of the standard dispute.. Check-in documents stated that the flat had issues (cracked walls and frayed carpet) when we moved in. Check-out documents state that the same issues existed + acceptable wear and tear when we moved out (plus stated that *generally* the place was in a better condition than before we moved in). However, the landord, through the agents have refused since June to release our deposit. After we left the landord has repainted the flat, and put a new carpet in and believes that we must pay £400 as a contribution (for any damage to the frayed carpet and wall damage). We have argued that any further fraying of carpet, and wall cracks was general wear and tear, and have refered to the check-in and check-out documents which also states this. However the landlord, through the (very slow) agent has maintained that we are 50% responsible and has refused to agree on releasing the deposit. We are now in the early stages of a despute being handled by the DPS. Does anyone have any advice or recomendations on how to handle this, or have any thoughts on our situation? Specifically I would be very happy to hear any tips on what we should or shouldn't do going forward in order to gain a swift, favourable - but honest and fair response. I believe we don't owe anything and that we are being treated unfairly, but sometimes one doubts oneself and needs other peoples opinions. Any help greatfully recieved, many thanks, J