Landlord returned my deposit in full, stated I’d get the full amount in an email, landlord now saying it was an error? What can I do?

[Anonymous]

I left a six month tenancy early so in my contract it states, the landlord would deduct fees for advertising the flat etc which is fine. Landlord was four days late in sending me the end of contract letter. They also returned my full deposit which was surprise. They even send in an email, they have returned the full amount and there’s a statement file they shared to confirm this. Landlord calls an hour later saying it’s a mistake and that they forgot to deduct the fees off before returning my money.

I am suspicious as I do not understand how they could return it, state they have returned the full amount and they even created a statement of a breakdown of all the rent and deposit I’ve sent to them and the money they returned to me. How can you get that wrong? What should I do? They sent me an invoice of deductions saying I have to pay today which is also unfair because they were four days late in returning my money yet I’m expected to pay them back asap when they’ve messed it up? They did all of this at the end of the day so any chance of getting legal advice today isn’t possible as all offices are shut

[Oliverlogan263]

Nah that is so sketchy! I would never pay them back after all that. There's no way they just "forgot" to take the fees out. Seems like they're trying to scam you now that they realized their mistake. Don't send them a dime. Tell them you have the email clearly stating they returned your full deposit, plus that invoice with the breakdown showing it's all been paid back. If they push it, you can threaten to take them to small claims court over it. They know they screwed up and are just trying to backtrack now. Stand your ground man. Don't let them bully you into paying for their own mistake. Maybe talk to your parents too and get their advice, but I wouldn't budge on this if I were you!

[Asker]

Thank you! I’m going to call a free legal team who give advice on things like this. If I don’t have to pay I’ll be glad!

[Oliverlogan263]

No problem luv, definitely call that legal team - that's a smart move. I hope they can help sort it out in your favor! Landlords can sometimes try to pull a fast one, but if you know your rights and cover your bases, they shouldn't be able to get away with it. Let me know how it goes - keeping your money would totally be sweet revenge for their screw up. Good luck, stick it to em!

[Asker]

So I asked for legal advice and it seems to be a grey area. I just paid it as it’s in my contract and I didn’t think it was worth the hassle!

[Oliverlogan263]

Aw man, that really blows that it's kind of a grey area legally. I can understand just wanting to be done with the hassle too though, and not drag it out if you have to pay eventually anyway. At least you gave them a bit of a scare by looking into it!

On the bright side, you've now got that rental behind you and don't have to deal with that sketchy landlord anymore. Some small victory there I guess! And who knows, maybe they'll think twice about trying that kinda shady stuff on their next tenants.

Chin up, don't let it get you down. You lived up to your end of the deal, got your space while you needed it, and now you can find an even better place without that landlord drama. Try not to dwell on it - on to bigger and better things now! Thanks for the update too.

[Asker]

Thank you so much for the kind words and advice. They basically said she could take it to court if I refuse to pay and if she feels that I must. I thought it was best just to pay for it and be free than a potential court thing which would probably make me pay more.

I am free now and saving for my own place. Should be able to get my own place next year!

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re very welcome. Ah nice, good call just paying up to avoid any potential court drama. Not worth the stress for what was probably not a huge amount in the grand scheme. And congrats on saving for your own place, that's so sick! Nothing better than having your own spot that you don't gotta answer to anyone. Super proud of you for grinding and putting yourself in a position to achieve that goal. You'll be relaxing in your own crib before you know it. Best of luck with the savings - lemme know if you need help figuring out a budget or anything. And hey, once you move in you gotta throw a housewarming rager! I'll bring some cold ones to celebrate your new spot lol. You deserve it Queen, keep up the hard work!

[Anonymous]

Take it to the tenants' tribunal if you have one.