Deposit refund on student acommodation?

[mattoc66]

Not sure if this is in the right section or not. My son starts university in a few weeks time and a couple of weeks ago he put a £200 deposit to stay in halls close to the university campus. He did this before he got confirmation of his maintenance grant. Now he has the confirmation and its not as much as we was expecting and not nearly enough to cover his rent. He now has found somewhere else cheaper and more manageable. He called the private company who he sent his deposit to and explained his situation and they are only willing to refund half. My question is can they do this? He hasn't signed a contract with the letting agency or anything just sent them a deposit. A £100 is a lot of money for a student to lose and he could really do with getting back. Many thanks for any advice given

[factor-fiction]

I think they can do this- in fact they could have kept all of it- provided it was not described as a refundable deposit. I think by sending the money he has agreed to the deposit. The company will argue it now has to try to find another tenant. He could ask the student union to help him though-it's worth a try.

[Postdog]

As someone who used to let rooms to students, it is a pain when you have to try and re let at short notice and I agree with the comment about him being lucky to get any back under the circumstances. I mean, the idea of such deposits is that you secure the accommodation against anyone else who may be interested, and by taking that off the market you are effectively telling them you have agreed to let to them alone. I have been in situations where the same has happened to me leaving me with no tenant at all, all because they changed their mind about living there after agreeing to take it and me telling other potential tenants it was no longer available.

[ojread2]

I think your son is lucky to get any of it back
He does have a contract because he handed over a deposit, signed or otherwise

[joko]

a deposit is not just for your benefit, to secure the place you want...its also for them to ensure you definitely take the room...as you lose out if you dont


otherwise whats the point of a deposit if you have to pay it back if people dont turn up?

as said you are lucky to get anythign