My landlord didn't protect my deposit and wants to deduct for repairs

[anonymouslady]

I'm just looking for a bit of advice from someone that probably knows a bit more than I do.

I believe it is a legal requirement to protect a deposit - I knew it wasn't protected and I never did anything about it because I'm a trusting person. Does anybody have any advice of what I can do about this please?

Another comment is that the landlord is wanting to deduct costs myself and my flatmate do not agree with. Obviously we have got back in touch with the landlord and want to dispute this with him - he seems reluctant to send us photos of the repairs that need doing via email. He has sent most things via WhatsApp.

One last thing, we did not receive an inventory from the landlord when we moved in, even though we asked of several occasions. Stupidly, we never took any photos of the state of the flat when we moved in - will this effect what the landlord wants to deduct from our deposit?

Any help would be very much appreciated

Thanks!

[theartfullodger]

Does landlord live in the same building? If not, follow advice here...

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housi...nancy_deposits

[jpkeates]

The landlord is entitled to compensation for any loss in value to their property beyond fair wear and tear that occurs during the lease.
They cannot deduct anything from a deposit that the tenant doesn't agree to (it's the tenant's money, regardless of who possess it).

If the landlord didn't protect the deposit they a) broke the law and b) took away the option of the free dispute resolution service that is part of that protection service.
If it was an AST, follow Mr lodger's advice above.