Hello everyone,
I am a tenant who renewed my AST for a sixth month period commencing 21 January 2020. The previous term was for 12 months. The deposit taken in January 2019 was the equivalent of 8 weeks rent and was protected within one of the deposit protection schemes with the relevant information provided within 30 days.
The six month AST signed in January 2020 states the deposit being five weeks worth of rent as per the Tenant Fees Act 2019, meaning a refund based on the initial deposit is due.
I am now in the final month of this sixth month tenancy and am still yet to receive a refund (a fairly significant amount). The initial deposit (based on 8 weeks rent) is still being held in the deposit protection scheme but it is the incorrect amount (it should be 5 weeks). I have tried to engage with the agent who deals with the tenancy but they have simply stated I will receive the refund when I sign for a renewed period later on in July. To me this seems fishy and I don't understand why they can't simply get in touch with the deposit protection scheme and authorise a refund.
I have contacted the deposit protection scheme but they say only the agent can authorise this, so I seem to be going round in circles trying to receive back money that is being held unlawfully.
I wish to remain in the property beyond the current period, however anticipate the deposit situation will continue to remain the same. Any advice on my options would be much appreciated.
I am a tenant who renewed my AST for a sixth month period commencing 21 January 2020. The previous term was for 12 months. The deposit taken in January 2019 was the equivalent of 8 weeks rent and was protected within one of the deposit protection schemes with the relevant information provided within 30 days.
The six month AST signed in January 2020 states the deposit being five weeks worth of rent as per the Tenant Fees Act 2019, meaning a refund based on the initial deposit is due.
I am now in the final month of this sixth month tenancy and am still yet to receive a refund (a fairly significant amount). The initial deposit (based on 8 weeks rent) is still being held in the deposit protection scheme but it is the incorrect amount (it should be 5 weeks). I have tried to engage with the agent who deals with the tenancy but they have simply stated I will receive the refund when I sign for a renewed period later on in July. To me this seems fishy and I don't understand why they can't simply get in touch with the deposit protection scheme and authorise a refund.
I have contacted the deposit protection scheme but they say only the agent can authorise this, so I seem to be going round in circles trying to receive back money that is being held unlawfully.
I wish to remain in the property beyond the current period, however anticipate the deposit situation will continue to remain the same. Any advice on my options would be much appreciated.
)
Comment