AIBU to not negotiate over disputed deposit

[Feduptenant21]

I have recently moved out of a rental property after almost 4 years with no issues during the tenancy. The check-out inventory listed everything as 'as at check in' or better (carpets were replaced six months ago).

I have had to really push the property manager to chase my landlord about releasing the deposit. In the tenancy agreement there is a clause that says that the landlord must inform the tenant of any deductions within ten working days of the end of the tenancy.

After another morning of phone calls to the agency the property manager has finally heard back from the landlord after 12 working days. The landlord has listed lots of small issues and said they want to keep a third of the deposit.

AIBU to not engage with a discussion about the deductions as they were requested after the deadline set in the tenancy agreement? Can this clause be enforced legally?

You’ll get the money back but you can’t skip the negotiation stage unless your landlord drops the case. So the landlord has tried to make a claim and you’ve disputed it. The scheme dealing with it will have to investigate and view the evidence and make a decision. If the landlord keeps the case open the whole time then you have to wait until the scheme makes a decision. You have to bare in mind that even though deposit protection schemes have a timeline of how long it should take for them to close a case and refund your money, if they’re particularly busy (which they are right now) then it will take longer. I waited 8 months once for them to review my case, realise the landlady was talking bollocks and refund me. I’d try and not rely on that money coming anytime soon

I forgot to put that as soon as they start reviewing your case then you should get the money back straight away as the claim was made after 19 days. It’s just waiting for someone to look at the case though

They are being CF and unless they have a real case, they won't want the bother of a dispute. I had a landlord try this on and they backed down fast when I started the dispute process.

@fucketyfuckwit no, London.

Thank you all for the responses - really reassuring. I'm going to send an email now about starting the official dispute process.

Shelter produce some good stuff on this - eg england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/what_can_your_landlord_deduct_from_your_deposit - most of the stuff I imagine would be classed as reasonable wear and tear after four years living there. Hes just trying to pass on the redecroation costs to you