Landlord wants to withhold deposit, Help!

[walker377]

Hi,

 

Im new to this place - Hopefully someone can help me?

 

I currently have an issue with my previous landlord who is claiming deductions from my deposit for redecoration costs for the whole property.

 

We rented the property for 5 years and returned it to them in the same condition less what I consider reasonable wear and tear for a family of five. The property was not newly decorated when we entered it - The decor has a few small marks here and there but certainly not the whole property and it is not significantly worse then when we moved in.

 

There was no check in inventory or check out inventory (that I signed - The landlord may have done their own)

 

The deposit is currently held with a deposit scheme.

 

The landlord has had the work carried out without giving me a chance to review their comments / quotes and if necessary arange for the work to be done myself

 

We moved out six weeks ago and despite numerous calls and answerphone messages the landlord has been up until this week elusive. This week I claimed the full deposit back from the deposit scheme then the landlord sudenly got in touch stating they were seeking 50% of the deposit towards the cost of redecoration (first I knew of the issue).

 

What would anyone advise doing now. Should I write back to the landlord arguing my case or go straight to the dispute service?

[gezwee]

If the deposit is held in an insurance based or custodial scheme you are entitled to place in dispute which lawfully obliges the scheme to hold the deposit until resolved.

 

Would be inclined to write to the scheme/deposit holder placing in dispute - if nothing else it prevents your ex landlord getting his hands on the money before you have the opportunity to resolve any issues.

[farmlama]

if there were no inventories then the ll cant prove you caused and damage and cant with hold any of your deposit as they could be making it up