Deposit

I left my previous residence rather quickly yesterday, though on a mutually agreed upon date. My witchy live-in landlady allowed me to leave early in the month instead of allowing me to continue with my reprehensible habits, for example, leaving the room with the rice cooker on.  She stated that she would inspect the room and subtract my share of the bills before transferring my deposit to my bank account. While she is a witch, I've never known her to be dishonest, and is extremely fussy. In case she doesn't return my deposit to me soon (tomorrow?), who should I contact to complain and retrieve my deposit? Council...?

This link gives details of the tenancy deposit scheme: https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/overview


And in particular:
"At the end of your tenancy
If you and your landlord agree how much deposit you’ll get back, it must be returned to you within 10 days of the tenancy ending.

If you’re in a dispute with your landlord, then your deposit is protected in the TDP until the issue is sorted."

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme applies to Assured Shortholds, and from my understanding, if you have a live-in landlord, then your type of let does not fall under this category, and therefore the tenancy deposit scheme requirements may not apply.

From the CAB: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/housing_e/housing_fact_sheets.htm, the pdf on Tenancy Deposits states the following:(Emphasis mine)

This fact sheet is for people starting a new tenancy with a private landlord or letting agent from 6 April 2007. It only applies to assured shorthold tenants. Most new private tenancies are likely to be assured shorthold, unless your landlord lives with you or your accommodation goes with your job. If you are unsure about what kind of tenancy you are starting, you should get advice.

Here's a load of information from the CAB regarding Renting from a private landlord, which appears to be a bit more relevant in your case than the TDS.

Also, Your landlady also might not know how much your share of the bills is for a while--some companies only send bills every 3 months!  So, when in doubt, I'd recommend checking with your local Citizens Advice Bureau, as they may be able to offer additional insight into your specific situation.

Sorry for the duff info, I incorrectly assumed that you were renting a flat.

Thanks for your help. Yes, she's a live-in landlady and is otherwise nitpicky and honest, but I dread that she may exact vengeance by withholding my deposit. I've barely settled into my new place and probably would take a while to find the tenancy agreement (though I've had it returned to me without an agreement) in case I need it.

Almost 48 hours after ex-landlady stated that she would transfer my deposit to my account I am still without my deposit!    Now I have to wait until Monday to go to the CAB.

Almost 48 hours after ex-landlady stated that she would transfer my deposit to my account I am still without my deposit!    Now I have to wait until Monday to go to the CAB.

Personally, I wouldn't start to stress about it quite yet. First, it can sometimes take a few days to clear (For example, I set up a direct debit for my HSBC account to go out on the 12th, but it doesn't arrive into the other party's account until 3 days later).  Second, if you only gave your landlady a few day's notice, I don't think it's necessarily fair to expect your money back instantaneously.  Does she work? Has she even had a chance to get to the bank yet? 

I'd probably give it at least a week before getting too worked up about it, but do suggest you familiarize yourself with/ learn what rights you do have as a tenant, and let us know what you find out.  It's always helpful for the next person who comes along with a similar issue!