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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is this fair? Rental deposit

9 replies

Raspberrypink97 · 23/04/2024 23:18

Recently moved out. I work part time as a single parent with young child so receive some housing element for UC. I moved into a new house so there was a bit of an overlap of rents. I changed my address and confirmed new rent on my online account. There was a bit of an overlap of rents for old and new house so I owed just over £200 up till I moved out. As UC were paying the housing element they said they could pay the overlap as it was within 4 weeks of me moving out. They’ve just asked for rent statement and said they’ll sort it. The landlord wants it sooner so is taking it out of my deposit. Is this fair?

OP posts:
SummerFeverVenice · 23/04/2024 23:22

Presuming the £200 owed is to the old landlord, then yes it is fair and legal for them to deduct your rent arrears from your deposit before giving it back to you.

SheepAndSword · 23/04/2024 23:24

I'm not really quite sure, your landlord present would have to state in writing that it's being deducted for rent purposes.

Can landlord speak to UC?

LittleOwl153 · 23/04/2024 23:25

Is your deposit in a secured deposit scheme? If so it is them and not your landlord who decides what is 'fair' and acts accordingly. Ask your scheme for your deposit back and see what happens!

SummerFeverVenice · 23/04/2024 23:28

LittleOwl153 · 23/04/2024 23:25

Is your deposit in a secured deposit scheme? If so it is them and not your landlord who decides what is 'fair' and acts accordingly. Ask your scheme for your deposit back and see what happens!

That’s only in the event of a dispute. The landlord tells the scheme how much to pay and the scheme only intervenes if the tenant raises a dispute. Deductions for rent arrears are allowable, and the landlord would win any dispute.

Original poster
Raspberrypink97 · 23/04/2024 23:36

Thanks everyone. I’m just a bit confused and the landlord has said before on an email to me ‘I don’t use the deposit to cover rent’ as we were discussing the last months rent due to me moving out early and the overlap and now they’re saying they want to do that

OP posts:
ThinWomansBrain · 23/04/2024 23:39

so you expect your deposit to be repaid in full, but you still owe the LL rent?
YABU

Original poster
Raspberrypink97 · 23/04/2024 23:41

I don’t really expect it to be but UC have already said they will be paying the overlap

OP posts:
SummerFeverVenice · 23/04/2024 23:43

Raspberrypink97 · 23/04/2024 23:36

Thanks everyone. I’m just a bit confused and the landlord has said before on an email to me ‘I don’t use the deposit to cover rent’ as we were discussing the last months rent due to me moving out early and the overlap and now they’re saying they want to do that

I think that was a hint to you that you should pay your last month’s rent before moving out so he doesn’t have to instruct that it be taken from your deposit.

Original poster
Raspberrypink97 · 23/04/2024 23:45

SummerFeverVenice · 23/04/2024 23:43

I think that was a hint to you that you should pay your last month’s rent before moving out so he doesn’t have to instruct that it be taken from your deposit.

Show quote history

Yes probably. It’s not a full months rent owed as I was actually in credit for a while as I paid a bit towards it. Landlord said he was happy to wait for UC to pay it when I met them for the check out but now says he wants it back quicker

OP posts:
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