WHERE TO START?
Always keep some documented evidence about the claim so that you can produce them in the court of law.
The deposit protection scheme claim is also another way to get back the initial amounts. You have to be specific about the landlord bond and the amount mentioned therein.
It is better to ask for the deposit money through writing or an email. Electronic records are the best proof in the present day. So, you should opt for that.
Set a challenge for your Landlord
The landlord has the right to adjust certain amounts from the deposits. However, he is also responsible for taking care of the rest. Hence, the landlord does not have the authority to deduct any unnecessary amount from the initial deposit. He is answerable to explain every such deduction with valid reasons.
LANDLORD NOT COOPERATING?
Is your landlord not cooperating for giving back the deposit amount at the end of the tenancy period?
You have the legal precautions in such cases. You must be aware of the status of your deposit.
Generally, the landlords of England must protect the deposit in any of the available schemes. Moreover, as per the legal provisions, every tenant can claim against the landlord for not protecting the deposit. Check out the actual status and take the correct steps. Do not forget that safeguarding your money is your right. Hence, you must not let anyone miss-utilise the same. Challenging your landlord is possible by filing a legal suit. Therefore, hire a professional advisor to make the best decisions on your behalf.
HOW DO I PROCEED WITH A CLAIM?
If the non-cooperative attitude of your landlord bothers you, please be quick in taking legal action.
The process of a tenancy deposit scheme claim is not a very complicated option. Please ask for all the related information from your landlord regarding your deposit and the scheme in which he has invested the same.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The normal time to get the deposit money is around ten days. However, it can delay if there is disagreement concerning the amount.
You should check whether the scheme involves any insurance for claiming tenancy deposit back. In the case of a deposit protection scheme, the involvement of an insurer is there. It implies that an agent or landlord possesses the amount and pays for the insurance premium.
After completing the tenancy term, you must contact them.
WHAT NEXT?
In case of disputes of any sort, you have all the rights to contact the Dispute Resolution Service panel of the respective scheme.
You can even go for a change in the scheme for the subsequent term if the results of the others fail to satisfy you.
Create an online account with the respective tenant deposit scheme claim service provider. You need to place the request to get back the money after filling a proper form online. The amount will reach your hands within a reasonable time. Hence, you are in a safe position if your deposit is under any scheme. However, the situation becomes complex when no scheme is there. So, you have to be alert regarding the intentions of your landlord.
ACT NOW
Raising a tenant deposit claim is not tough if your landlord fails to obey the connected laws.
Go for an intermediary agency to solve the matter, or you can go to court also. The litigations will take ample time to get to a solution. Be smart and get back your money faster now.