[hk01]

Has anyone else had problems in getting back their security deposit from their landlord? Our ex-landlord is trying to charge us a full month's rent for supposed repair work to the property, unfortunately we didn't have an official 'handover' meeting at the end of our lease but isn't this a bit excessive?!

[martyn]

I dont know how to advise you, but incase you cannot get the money back, I suggest helping with the "repairs" by adding a few more accidental holes here and there.

[discobay]

It's difficult to comment. Do you agree that the landlord needs to make repairs? If you don't then take it to small claiims. If you do then you need to bear in mind that it's not a polyfilla job and he/she will want to get it professionally done so he can re-let.

[gdp]

We had the same problem. When we left, the landlady gave back half the deposit saying that the other half is for cleaning etc even though we left the flat in in very good condition. We filed a claim with small claim tribunal.

When they got the letter from the court, they immediately paid up in full without any fuss. The whole process cost us $50-$100 !

[hk01]

thanks! that makes me feel so muuuch better! was worried that I would lose my month's rent! will check out the small claims tribunal.

I really believe we left the apartment in the same condition as when we moved in. especially since we gave the landlord a list of defects to fix when we moved in, it was never done, we didn't bother to follow-up and now 2 yrs later he's trying to bill us the repairs to those same defects! plus more!

[prashanthbk]

Originally Posted by martyn

I dont know how to advise you, but incase you cannot get the money back, I suggest helping with the "repairs" by adding a few more accidental holes here and there.

I agree. If you cannot get what you have given and they are faking... let justice be done to the house... Do you like painting on the walll!!!

[cerberus]

call the cops and the buildings department, plus the consumer council

[tsuiwah]

Originally Posted by cerberus

call the cops and the buildings department, plus the consumer council

what is that supposed to do exactly?

[KnowItAll]

Nothing. Cops will not do anything, the building management and consumer council cant do anything either.

Would recommend filing a small claims action as suggested by someone else.

[cerberus]

i said buildings department, aren't they arbiters in these situations? as for the cops, call them anyway to have it on record, it could have the benefit of making your adversaries nervous.