Give me back my 400gbp deposit you cheap fuck!

The BBQ Pit
21

So the prick finally contacted me. Here’s the exchange, minus names and email addresses. BTW - found out he’s worth at least 20 million pounds. Why am I surprised he would weasel out of a 400 pound debt.

22

Hmm, that exchange made a lot more sense once I realised it was reversed. :slight_smile:

Seems like he’s determined to ignore the actual law on this issue. The way he resorts to nitpicking when confronted with an actual cite is pretty telling, but the best bit is that he openly admits you’re being billed for wear and tear:

The itemised bill should be even more illuminating; best of luck getting your hands on it…

23

Thanks - I’m hoping that too. Because with that, the tenancy agreement, and the witnesses (and my honest desire to negotiate with him) I think any court will find in my favour… add in the fact he’s worth millions and I’m clearly not, and it should be even better.

24

I’ve sent him a final email. I’ve given him until the 3rd of March to reply with an itemized bill and / or my deposit back, or I go legal. I’m only giving him that long because I’m going skiing week after next and I don’t want to think about this until after I get back :slight_smile:

25

Why are you surprised? Good question. Meet the former U.S ambassador to Spain.

26

Filing fees for small claims court shouldn’t be too much. In my county they are currently $74 and that includes service of the defendant. Now, in the States if you sue someone and win, you can ask for the cost of the suit to be included in the judgment.

I would suggest maybe attending the kind of hearing you will be attending beforehand if possible- in the US most hearings of this type are open to the public. Be prepared with all of the paperwork showing all of your rent payments, anything else you may have paid for, pictures if you have them and of course, a copy of your original lease and the law you are citing.

Jaade-not a lawyer, but I do attend and participate in small claims court frequently.

27

Whether he’s worth 15 pounds or 15 million is completely irrelevant. What is relevant is that normal wear and tear is usually not a valid reason to withhold a deposit.

Sounds like you’ll be heading to court. Don’t back down. Landlords like this give all landlords a black eye.

Oh, and if you replaced the washing machine, you should add that to your claim.

28

I wish you luck,** GomiBoy**, in getting this settled and getting your deposit back as soon as possible. I just want to echo **PunditLisa ** though, on the point of what is relevant to your claim should you have to go to the courts. Who is legally responsible for normal wear and tear is relevant. What the state of the apartment was at the end of the tenancy is also relevant. What the landlord is worth is not relevant.

29

I think he means either a) it will be more satisfying that way, or b) he will actually be able to pay, unlike most of the schmucks in small claims court.

30

While you’re at it, also bring along the email from him admitting that he charged you for wear and tear.

31

Of course! He’s outright admitting he’s charging me for wear and tear - I will absolutely bring that along.

32

Right on both accounts - I won’t be jousting at windmills here, and it will be more satisfying if I win.

33

Let’s go with when you win. :wink:

Go get 'em, Tiger!