Furthermore, the 'rent a room scheme' is completely irrelevant when they were in receipt of £6305 from me pa.

I was never told I needed to give notice! There was never any mention of these financial stipulations. I have asked for new copies to me sent to my new address, however I do not want my banking information in his house. Why should I return the keys when I've been told in no uncertain terms that they do not wish to see me- so I am therefore posting them recorded delivery. Why should I drop the keys through the letterbox if they are not prepared to open the door and give me my post?

I was not on the electoral role. I rented this flat for my third year at Bath Spa University so I remained registered at my parents address. I know its too little too late. I'm just gutted at how this panned out and am quickly beginning to think there's little I can do to change the situation.

[quote=Steve__M;4320206 You said you contacted them when they were abroad. You did not say that you could not contact them - which seems to be what you are saying now. The tax year runs from April 6th to April 5th, so they are close to the limit if they had no other income but your (and my) suspicion that they have not declared it is still just a suspicion. . In which case they're still over the tax limit- but regardless of that- it doesn't really help with my issues, but it would be at least satisfying to know they're put right. I tried to contact them and had no answer- it was only by phoning them I discovered they were abroad. Over the course my tenancy there I have had several periods in which I cannot get hold on anyone for weeks at a time, rendering me without the necessary facilities and also unable to receive mail. At this point in time, my main priority is getting my post off them- they've now had it for nearly 4 weeks and regardless of how many times I ring them or knock on the door I can't seem to get it back.

They have always referred to the room I rented as a 'flat' which is isn't and to me as a 'tennant'. The advertisement they put out did not advertise for a lodger. I provided a weeks notice which is all I could do seeing as they weren't in the country. They certainly do need to pay tax, £485 every four weeks for 56 weeks is £6790. Therefore for a 12 month period they were taking £4850.

Not sure. The room I rented was above their garage- I had to access their house to use the washing machine. It did have its own entrance, but only in so much as the garage was a separate building to the rest of the house. Is it any use mentioning that for this 'rental agreement' I had no proper cooking facilities and the only access to water was from the bathroom sink?

If I am going to kiss the deposit goodbye is there at least some measure I can take to have their various other misconducts recognized? i.e. my post and lack of DPS? I am not particularly thrilled at the idea of going to court, but neither am I very keen on being trampled on by those with money.

No, the flat I rented was at the rear of their large house and holiday let. Therefore I shared their address and never saw anything before they did because (when they felt like it) they passed my post on to me.

It was included in the amount I was paying.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get receipts for my payments, but I assume a 4 weekly withdrawal from my bank account for the last 14 months would be useful evidence? They are saying that I had to give one months notice- hence I am not entitled to my deposit. A, there is no contract verbal or otherwise that mentions this B, I don't even rent on a monthly basis. I am wondering what to do about posting back the key. They have said when the key lands on their doorstep they will forward my mail on to my new address. However I am wondering if I should keep the key until I get my deposit and if I do return it- should I send it via recorded post instead- this seems sensible to me- even though my landlords live about 3 doors up from my new place. regarding the HMRC comment- I am prepared to do this- but at what point should I do that and how would it benefit my situation? Thank you for the replies thus far. I am expecting a call back from CAB any day now from a 'specialist'. Its all a massive headache, but really, I am renting, ergo £485 is NOT just a drop in the ocean to me.

I have done both of these- as it is par for the course in moving house. But it doesn't solve how to release the post they're withholding :/

Hello This is my first post- so please bare with me should I make a dreadful faux pas! I have recently moved house from a rented flat and am having several difficulties with my previous landlord. I began renting from my landlord in July 2012 and moved out on 3rd August 2013. The terms of the 'tenancy' included NO written or verbal contract. I was also asked specifically to pay my rent in cash every 4 weeks. Before moving in I paid a deposit of £485, equal to 4 weeks rent. I do not believe my landlord has placed this money with any kind of protection scheme. There has never been any mention on notice needed or that there would be any difficulty in re-releasing my deposit once I vacated the flat. Upon contacting my landlords who were abroad at the time- they were very friendly regarding my leaving and we exchanged pleasantries with no mention of any financial complications. The flat I rented was at the rear of their large country house- therefore our address is the same and my post goes to them first. Sinse moving out they have now said I must return my key through the letterbox as they do not wish to speak with me as they are 'in mourning for the loss of their dog' and will forward my mail on. The mail they have has been there for some weeks now and contains urgent highly confidential post from my bank. Throughout the 'tenancy' I have also had issues with them refusing to provide me with adequate waste disposal facilities and also withholding and even opening my mail! Now I am at a loss as to what to do. They have my post which they won't let me pick up and my deposit which is very much needed! I have contacted citizens advice this morning and am waiting to hear back- but apparently that may take days. Any advice greatly appreciated. * And before anyone says so- no, I won't be making this mistake again!