To hold rent in place of deposit

[SeriouslyPissedOffTeanant]

Just found out my money is not in a secure account. Have asked for it back but LL says no, will secure it now. No rent then this month. Am I being unreasonable ?

In regards to compensation for not protecting the deposit. It is possible to get x3 but very rare. Just the regular deposit back is standard.

keep paying the rent, leave when you like (section 21 not valid with unprotected deposit so they can do nothing) and then sue.

please read the how to rent guide if there is going to be a next time.

It was quite straightforward that I would not give him a reference when he left.

I have literally never been asked for a reference from a previous landlord. It's one of those urban legend things that I've never actually seen happen.