We moved into a rented house in March for 6 months and ended up extending it on a month by month basis for a further couple. The house was a family home for the landlord until they decided to move abroad. We moved out because they wanted to come back. Anyway, we moved out during first week of November and still havent had our £1200 deposit back. The deposit is with the agent we originally took the tenancy through. After the 6 months were up we dealt with the landlords direct. Ive spoken several times to the agent and they have to get authority to release the deposit from the landlords. MY tenancy agreement states that any dilapidations must be notified within 10 days of the property being vacated. I had a phone call yesterday from the ex landlord who told me that there was a tear in the lino of the conservatory and that we wouild need to replace it - it cost him £250 originally! Since we moved out and before they moved back there was a gap of about 2 weeks during which time his inlaws had decorators and flooring people in to do the property up for them (it was in a horrid state whilst we were renting). We moved out on the Thursday and they did an inspection on the following Monday but yesterday was the first I had heard from them. I dont recall us causing a tear in the lino but feel pushed to replace it. The ex landlord maintains he informed the agents at the time (who have no note of it) of the dilapidations. So, can I get my deposit back, or do I have to pay for this mystery damage?