Hi,
I've got another question concerning rights of landlords. Does he have the right to hold back the deposit until all utility bills have been settled? I think this is an issue between the tenannts themselves and the LL should not butt in. Does he have a right to do this? :confused:
Thanx for help again :help:
sophiebabe

This is pretty common, it makes sense as the landlord doesn't want large bills arriving after tenants have left, and it's unfair on the next tenants to move in.

Only one tenant moved out, the others are remaining in the house. The LL keeps the deposit as a reassurance for the remaining tenants to get their bills paid. The moving tenant doesn't intend to disappear without paying and it's all settled between us (though not paid yet), but the LL still refuses to return deposit.

Nobody is going to tell the landlord that they are planning to disappear, nothing personal but they have to treat everyone the same. Why not let him keep it and get the next person moving in to pay the person moving out?

Hi,
I've got another question concerning rights of landlords. Does he have the right to hold back the deposit until all utility bills have been settled? I think this is an issue between the tenannts themselves and the LL should not butt in. Does he have a right to do this? :confused:
Thanx for help again :help:
sophiebabe

According to citizen advice, when I asked, they cannot keep it for this reason because they do not lose any money if you dont pay them.

Unfortunatly many landlords (in my experience) simply make an excuse like this up to steal your deposit :(

Hi there

Iwould suggest she perhaps speak to Shelter on this issue - tel no 0800 800 4444 and they can probably clarify the situation.

With regards to your deposit, if the LL is wanting to withold some or all of your deposit ask for it in writing exactly what he is wanting to withold and what for. The LL can make only reasonable deductions from the deposit and this can include any rent arrears, not sure about utility bills though. Keep copies of any letters sent & recd.

Not sure about him witholding money for the Utility bills because the LL has to return your deposit within a reasonable amount of time and how could he do this if he waited 3 months for the next bill due.

If you feel the LL is delaying in returning your deposit or you dispute the amount he is wanting to keep then you can seek advice from CAB and go down the Small Claims Court route or you could merely threaten your LL with this & he may well give you your money back!

Hope this helps somewhat but Im sure Shelter may be able to clarify further.

Loops

HI there,
thanx for helping me out with advice. It's al clarified now, the moving tenant has her deposit back and a tenant moved in...was a bit too concerned and also not familiar with the laws about it, so I just wanted to know if the LL has a right to do it or not.
I asked him :hihi: and he says "weeeeell, it's common practice...." :gag:
anyway, everybody has his money now and everybody's happy :D
thanx anyway.
cheers,
sophiebabe