Losing deposit on old tenancy

[Flixy]

At my previous place, I had a one month's worth of rent as a deposit, and I simply didn't pay my last month of rent so that he couldn't hold on to my deposit. Not that nice either, but I left the room in a good condition and I knew the guy could be a bit of a dick.

At this place there is, luckily, no deposit, and there's a walk-through with someone of the renting agency to check the place when you leave. If something isn't the way they want it, they will tell you and you can choose between fixing it yourself, or having it fixed but they make an assessment of the costs before you choose. Seems fair to me! Of course, the new renters can also choose to take some of the things you leave. Makes good bargaining, too: "you can keep the curtains and the fridge if you agree to take the walls like this", saving you the effort to re-paint them.

[Timbuk2]

Bad news Rand. You sure get your share of bad luck don't you.

To me it sounds as if he's not going to give you back that deposit. He'll also not pursue getting the 'extra' but that's like OG said just to discourage you. It's nasty to lose that much money but I don't see you getting it back without incurring major costs.

Yep agreed.

This fella is taking the Michael.

Your path of least resistance is to accept losing your 650 quid, and tell him to shove his demand for 200 quid extra and to take you to small claims court if he wants it, where he will lose.

If you feel like you have the time, price up the parts that need replacing, get quotes to get them replaced, and submit the list to the landlord with the bill totalling less than £650, which from what you describe it surely will. Also point out the items he's charging you for but that you had mentioned as needing replacing during your tenancy. However if there is no written record of your asking for these items to be replaced, he could just dismiss it as being your vivid imagination.

I've rented 13 or 14 properties in my time, and not once have I had to deal with a petty thief like that - have always been dealt with fairly and have always got back the majority of my deposits.

Gah. I feel really frustrated for you. Horrible dealing with shitbags like this.