I moved out of a house share 11 months ago. All rent was paid on time, adequate notice was given and nothing in the room was damaged. The landlord accepted my notice and I was informed I'd receive my deposit within 14 working days.
It turns out the deposit hadn't been protected under any of the schemes so I couldn't use the tenancy dispute scheme , and despite repeated emails and calls they didn't return my deposit, just kept saying they were 'processing the payment'.
I contacted a solicitor and a case was finally opened this year for small claims court. The solicitor contacted me a fortnight ago to confirm the landlord had signed a settlement agreement confirming they would pay my money by February 25th. After 10 days they haven't paid it and have until 3pm on Tuesday.
They may pay it at the very last minute but I'm doubtful. If they do not pay the case will be taken back to court with higher costs and damages incurred so surely they'd be stupid not to?
Part of me thinks they're biding my time and hoping I won't take further action if they pay. They're still advertising on spareroom. I'm not letting it go until I get my £500, to me that's a lot of money and also it sets an example.
If they do it to me they'll just do it to others. Fed up of these poor excuses of landlords.