Adeposit is a sum of money owned by the tenant, but held by the landlord for the duration of the tenancy. Tenants will normally be asked to pay a deposit to the landlord before the start of the tenancy. When the tenancy comes to an end, the landlord is obliged to hand back this money minus any deductions for damage or arrears. The landlord must make allowances for fair wear and tear. This means that any items that have deteriorated as would be expected over the period of time of the tenancy through normal use, cannot be claimed from the deposit by the landlord.
In order to avoid any disagreement or misunderstanding at the end of a tenancy, you are advised to ensure that all rent has been paid and that keys have been handed back at the end of the tenancy. If you feel that the landlord has made unreasonable deductions from your deposit and you wish to complain, then please put your complaint in a letter to your landlord. Send a copy of the letter to Student Accommodation Services, Room 1D11, Frenchay Campus and keep a copy for yourself.
If the problem is not successfully solved, you can consider making a County Court Claim. For an application form and leaflet, contact:
Greyfriars
Lewins Mead
Bristol
BS1 2NR
Tel. (0117) 910 6700
You can also contact Student Advice and Welfare Services in the Student Services at the Frenchay Campus for advice.