That is what I intend to do. I am new to the site so still finding my way around. Is there any guidance on the site on how to go through the process of suing for 3 x the deposit? Is this something I need a solicitor for or can I do it myself? Also, if he returns the deposit minus deductions (which I dispute), can I still bring this claim? Any help anyone can give me would be very much appreciated!

I have recently moved out of a property after 7 months (initial fixed term of 6 months). I discovered late in the tenancy that the landlord ( he is the cousin of the owners and manages the property for them) had not protected the deposit. I have repeatedly asked where it is - he has avoided the issue, blamed it on the letting agent and even given me a bogus reference number for the TDS (think this was for one of his other properties). I have now established that it is not protected in any of the 3 schemes He has tried to make spurious deductions for cleaning, despite us leaving the property in a good and clean state. he provided no inventory, no check-in or check-out report. He wouldn't even meet me to inspect the property on moving out and insisted I drop off the keys. I have told him that if he does not repay it in full I will pursue a claim for non-protection of the deposit but he doesn't seem to care. I have a few questions: 1. Do I have a good case to claim the 3 x deposit penalty? 2. Iss there a chance I could lose, or just get the deposit back and have to pay costs out of this? 3. If he returns my deposit in full, does that prevent me bringing a compensation claim for the 3 x deposit? 4. Can reclaiming the deposit itself and the compensation be done as part of the same claim or do I have to lodge these separately? Your advice would be appreciated, along with any tips on submitting the N208 claim form and what to include with it.