Unprotected deposit advice

[IllBeAtTheBarIfYouNeedMe]

I’ll try to make a long story short.

Moved into current home in October 2018. Paid deposit and initially rent to a letting management company. Lettings agency went into administration a few years ago which I only found out when my landlord contacted me to ask me to stop paying them and to pay her directly. I did check it out and their website confirmed what she said. She has now sold the house to what she thought was a professional landlord company but a week after completing they’ve decided to sell so we’ve got to move. Sucks, but it happens.

I’ve been trying to find where my deposit is protected but it doesn’t appear to have been deposited into a protection scheme. I’m not prepared to lose the money.

Who do I speak to? Whose responsibility will it be to return my deposit to me?

I should probably add I’m in England

Speak to shelter for advice. Landlord ultimately responsible even if agent has done a runner with your money. You should have been informed where deposit was held when signing at start of tenancy. Landlord might have to pay you 3x deposit amount if not protected. Good luck

Yes - the LL is ultimately responsible. If your deposit isn't correctly protected any s21 notice you've been served with doesn't stand and can't be enforced.

not sure what year you meant, but deposit scheme started in 2007. Your original landlord is the one to sue and you will win.

probably lots of reasons why you dont have to move, read your how to rent.

Thanks everyone. Sorry I just noticed I put 2018 instead of 2008

Looking forward to telling my current landlord that the section 21 is invalid.

don't tell him - just keep paying rent and don't leave at the end of it (as of course you have a perfect right to do even with a valid sec 21). Let him go to court and get it thrown out.

there's a procedure for new landlords to notify tenants of who they are and where the rent goes. It is possible that the rent isn't due until this is done, although of course it will be due at some point so keep it stashed.

they can sell to someone else who becomes your new landlord. You do not have to allow viewings.