problems with landlord

[andy2202]

i lived with 3 friends between the 1st of jan and the 1st july.  we all had separate lease's.  we each recieved a letter today (10/08/05) saying that we were due a sum of �3k.  turned out a couple of my friends had only paid 2 months rent while we were there.  i have bank statements to prove that i paid all via standing order.  he has also charged us for cleaning charges and damages! the landlord came up to the house on the last day and said that the house was fine and clean enough.

where do i stand? anyone help, please!

[dmsjps]

I'm not a legal expert, but it sounds like the letters were sent to all tenents on the off-chance that all would cough up before legal proceedings begin. You have proof that you have paid your rent on time every month and you also have your lease to prove that was all you owed. If it goes any further I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

I think regarding the cleanliness of the place when the rental period period finished, it's his word against yours and who knows how that will go? Although probably not in his favour if he ends up dragging you to court for rent that you've already paid when you can prove you've paid it.

 

Fingers crossed for you, not a good start to independent living, is it?

[jake-the-peg]

Go and find a citizens advice bureau - their website here http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

has some on-line advice but more importantly locations where you can get free legal advice.

These sort of things make up a large proportion of their work so they really are experts in this.

Given that you had seperate leases I think they'll probably advise you that you have no responsibility and you can write to the landlord saying that you've been to the CAB and they laughed at him.

[Tim Baxter]

Ask the landlord if he has a relative called Rackman (see Goooogle, infamous rackman).  Employ ninjas to sort him out.  Ok you have nothing to worry about 'cos you have a separate lease.  Good luck.