Deposit dispute - aggressive LL

[UnbelievableLie]

Has anyone been through the DPS process recently?

I'm really stressing about it as our ex LL is a real arsehole and the last conversation we had was quite unpleasant. This was unfortunately on the phone so I don't have written down proof and tbh I blocked his number as his calls were making me so anxious.

I don't believe his dispute of the deposit holds and merit and I'm comfortable that the DPS will agree as I have quite a lot of evidence of reporting issues and his failure to address them - which of course worsened the condition of the property.

But I've been told that before the adjudication process can begin (I've declined his deductions) they want to see that we have made attempts to reach an agreement. What agreement is that since I am not willing to budge on a single £1?! I'm also not looking to have any further direct contact with this vile person. Do I have to put myself through further exchanges with them to satisfy the requirements??

I didn't. We were with the dps. I rejected all his deductions and gave a brief answer that I thought they were unjustified as not on inventory. They released the undisputed part of the deposit immediately but it has taken a while- was 6 weeks ago and we don't have the judgment back yet- for the rest. The onus is on him to prove his deductions. I did speak to the agent first and they tried to negotiate but neither of us budged so we just went straight to DPs. It's all been online and I haven't had any contact with him directly

No, you don't. Assuming there is an agent?

I went through this recently but from the landlord perspective, and had no direct contact with the tenant. All that initiated it was the tenant saying to the agent that they disagreed with me keeping any of their deposit (despite having wrecked the place and not paid their rent, but that's by the by in this discussion). In my instance, I raised the case, and they didn't bother to respond so were just delaying and being a pain.

Either party can raise a dispute with the protection scheme, and I would recommend you initiate one of there isn't already a case. You would know if there was as they have to contact you. You will need to provide evidence to support your case, and the landlord will have to do the same. It will then be adjudicated based on the evidence provided. Be factual, with a much supporting evidence as you have, written communication and photos are useful.

Good luck.

Thank you both, this is making me feel a bit more hopeful. There was an agency that kicked off the whole tenancy but unfortunately I think the LL is using some minimum management option as they have always done all visits and comms themselves.

I don't want this to be used against me that I wouldn't have a direct conversation to discuss what he's trying to claim for because I really don't want to have another interaction where he raises his voice and scolds me like a child.

Using the website, it didn't really give the option to write a full response.

You can raise a dispute yourself here
https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/tenants/raise-a-dispute/

You should have been given the reference number at the beginning of your tenancy. If you need walking through it, phone them, they are very helpful.

Sorry, me again! So I've raised the money as a dispute and the protection scheme has asked me to confirm what I've done to settle the matter before they get involved. What the hell do I tell them?! All conversations were F2F or phone and now I don't want to have further contact with them. So there has not been any steps taken as I don't know what I was supposed to do, I want all my money back so no I'm negotiating?!

You say you have spoken with the landlord but have been unable to come to an agreement. That you dispute any retention of the deposit.

Examples

If the landlord has said why he wants to retain eg. not clean you explain was fully cleaned and here are the pictures.

If the landlord says you broke a door handle. You say it isn't broken or here is a picture showing it wasn't.

It is enough to say that you have spoken but still disagree.

You tell them about the conversations you’ve had with LL in an attempt to sort it out surely?

Thanks, I'm having a really tough time with a family member illness and this has really sent me down the spiral so I am clearly overthinking it!

I guess at the back of my mind I was worrying he'll turn around and say I have not made any attempts to discuss this with him (since there is no proof) and that the deposit scheme marks that against me

It’s easy to get bogged down at times of stress but at least this is one thing you’ve got some answers for. You’ll get there!

You say you have spoken F2F and on the phone. Do you have the call logs still even though you blocked him? Dates you talked F2F?

If so, I'd reply with 'I have discussed the issues on x, y and z date (screenshots of call logs attached) etc. Unfortunately the LL has become quite aggressive and communication has now broken down. I am happy to resolve this the DPS acting as an impartial intermediary, but at present I do not feel comfortable with the way LL is conducting themselves towards me.'

Or similar!

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