monkyA

Here is what you must do, and must do ASAP Write both the LL and Letting Agent a letter stating that you moved out on on whatever date, it has been more than ten working days since you moved out and have only just received notice of inventory deduction (attach copy of email with date/time stamp). Then give them two weeks to pay you the undisputed amount in full Send this special delivery to both Realistically your main problem is getting back the bulk of your deposit, and TDS not interested unless you sent this letter. Keep on stressing that you will dispute everything. This letter worked for us: Sent Special Delivery to <Put names of everyone you’re sending too here> <Your Current Address> <Todays Date> Re: Deposit for Flat <Address/Postcode> Dear <Letting Agent and Managing Agent and Landlord> Letter Before Action Our tenancy of the above property ended on <end date> with check-out on that date. Thirteen working days have elapsed since this date and we have not yet received the deposit (£XXX) nor been informed of any proposed deductions. The contract agreed between us and you stipulates that “the agent must tell the Tenant within 10 working days of the end of the tenancy if they intend to make any deductions from the deposit” (Clause 5.4(i)). In this regard, we believe that you are in breach of contract. We are advised that failing to follow this contractual requirement will not be favourable to you should a dispute arise with the TDS. The check out report advises property was returned to you in very good condition. Given you have not raised any concerns with us, we therefore require repayment of the deposit to arrive no later than 14 days of your receipt of this letter. Should a dispute arise between us and you regarding deductions, the amount in dispute should be lodged with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme administrator. Additionally, in event of a dispute, the onus is on you to prove that you justifiably withheld deposit monies and, in any event, you should provide a schedule of dilapidations, written quotes and invoices for work. If we receive no satisfactory reply by 14 days from receipt of this letter, we will instigate a claim process for the outstanding money and if necessary we will begin court action for recovery of our deposit without further warning. We look forward to hearing from you within 14 days. Yours faithfully, YOU Schedule of events: 19/10/09 - Tenancy ended and check-out completed 04/11/09 - Check-out report received by tenants by email from XXX 05/11/09 – Letter before action delivered to XXX