My previous housemate has blocked me, I have reason to believe it’s because she has my deposit

[MrsPeach94]

My previous housemate and I ended on really bad terms. She was a nightmare to live with, extremely petty and we got into an argument towards the end of the tenancy because I moved out a month early and paid ALL bills (rent and all fixed bills, and standing charge for her use of PAYG bills) apart from her and her boyfriend’s excessive electric usage.

I have contacted the landlord regarding my deposit, and he said that the deposit was joint. Apparently the deposit has now been amended to her and the new tenant, so I need to contact either her or the new tenant to get this back (I guess the new tenant just pays me her deposit).

Funnily enough in the last few days, the housemate has only gone and blocked me. I’m assuming it’s because she’s received the deposit or doesn’t want to give me my share. I’m worried the landlord won’t get involved because it’s a joint deposit and not really their issue to solve.

I can’t get hold of her. I’m now in another country and can’t go there. Surely this is illegal??

I am really panicking. All the landlord said was “I contacted her, she’s away on holiday at the moment and she’ll be in contact on her return”. Seems convenient and she definitely won’t be seeing as she blocked me.
What do I do???

Do you have a work telephone number you can call her on?

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/joint_tenancies/how_to_get_your_deposit_back

Some advice here, if you were in England

Your deposit should be logged with a tenancy deposit scheme and it is the job of the landlord to return it to you, not your housemate. Look up who your deposit is logged with and get in contact with them about this.

She works in a school so on half term 😥 I messaged her on Facebook and she’s not responded

Contact whatever scheme the deposit is/was lodged with to see if they can offer some advice. I don't think the deposit paid at the start of your tenancy can roll over to another tenancy. The deposit paperwork should have been sent to you within 30 days of landlord receiving- I'm pretty sure that even if it's a lead tenant joint tenancy there's a section to add in the details of any other interested parties - is your name stated? If it's lodged with TDS they are very helpful.