Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Deposit from rented property

13 replies

Hoppy144 · 09/07/2024 10:10

I moved into a property in 2016, initially I moved with my son and my partner. The relationship soon fizzled out and I have lived there from 2017 just my son and myself.
When we moved in my partner's parents paid the deposit.
Now my son and I are moving on from the property. Whilst clearing out I found some of my ex's bits in the loft and thought the kind thing to do was deliver them back, I don't know where he is as we haven't remained in contact but I knew where his parents would still be living so dropped a box round.
I was instantly asked when they would be getting their money back from the property. After all these years it honestly didn't dawn on me that they would ask for it. Maybe naive here.
I feel that after so many years of taking care of a property, redecorating, upkeep of massive garden and the time and effort put in that that the deposit would be mine, but the blatant question of having the money back has made me think maybe I'm totally in the wrong thinking here.

OP posts:
ComtesseDeSpair · 09/07/2024 10:13

The deposit is their money and needs to be returned. You kept up the property for your own benefit because you were living there and presumably wanted a nice home - not as a favour to your ex’s parents.

They did you a favour years ago. Don’t be dickish with favours when people do then for you - it’s the quickest way to make sure nobody in your life wants to help you out.

freeandfierce · 09/07/2024 10:15

They should have negotiated that with you once he left. 7 years on from him leaving and they want it back! Although some might say it's their money and they have been generous not asking for it back sooner.

TenderChicken · 09/07/2024 10:15

I'm not sure what you taking care of the property has to do with anything.

If the deposit was a gift to you and their son, then you don't have to pay it back.

Catza · 09/07/2024 10:17

Why would deposit suddenly be yours? They essentially “loaned” the money to secure your property and are entitled to receive it back. They have been very generous to not ask for it back sooner since their son hasn’t been living at the property for many years.
Upkeep of the property is your responsibility to your landlord. I don’t see how you think it earns you the right to their money.

freeandfierce · 09/07/2024 10:17

You could offer your share? The remaining balance should come from their son if it was a joint arrangement?

Catza · 09/07/2024 10:19

freeandfierce · 09/07/2024 10:17

You could offer your share? The remaining balance should come from their son if it was a joint arrangement?

Why? The deposit is, presumably, sitting in the protection scheme all these years. It is not coming from anyone. OP is not asked to fork out of her own pocket. She is simply asked to transfer what landlord holds back to the parents instead of pocketing it.

Hoppinggreen · 09/07/2024 10:19

Have you had the full deposit returned?
I would say that when/if you do it should go back to them. A deposit isn't like other house related costs, its a surety against damage etc and if there is none then it should go back to whoever paid it.
IF you don't want to return it and there is no paperwork saying that you owe them the money then I suppose you could keep it if you really wanted/needed to

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 09/07/2024 10:20

Yes they are entitled to it back.

juglover2008 · 09/07/2024 10:26

I think if it was a loan they should of been clearer at the beginning and why wait all this time to mention it.
Also the chances are that if you and your partner were still together that they would have been happy for the deposit to move to the next property

HolyMolyMan · 09/07/2024 10:32

Taking care of the property has nothing to do with the deposit. Its theirs.

Mrsttcno1 · 09/07/2024 10:35

You looked after the house because it was your home, you were living there. You were only able to do that because they paid the deposit to enable you to make that place your home. You’re lucky that they didn’t ask for it back when you split up but they absolutely deserve it back now, it’s their money.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 09/07/2024 10:38

Mrsttcno1 · 09/07/2024 10:35

You looked after the house because it was your home, you were living there. You were only able to do that because they paid the deposit to enable you to make that place your home. You’re lucky that they didn’t ask for it back when you split up but they absolutely deserve it back now, it’s their money.

Absolutely this

CollyBobble · 09/07/2024 12:23

Of course you give them the deposit back!

They were giving it for their son and you happened to be his partner at the time. The relationship didn't work out so the right thing to do when you leave is give them their money back.

It's just nasty to keep it and absolutely nothing to do with how you've kept the property up as it was not your money in the first place!

Off course if they don't want it back then that's very kind of them but in your case, they would like it back.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page