Help with a private landlord query (legal - UK)?

Hi





I've lived at my property for over two years and am now on a rolling month contract. A couple of months ago I decided to pay my rent until January so I didn't have to worry about it over Christmas.





I've now decided to move due to various reasons (the landlord's inability to fix anything when I ask him is one of them...), and I've found a property and plan to give my months notice so that my current tenancy will end at the end of December.





This means that my landlord will owe me a month's rent back. Now I know that deposits can take a little while to get back and I'm expecting that, however I'm thinking that theoretically my rent should still be sat in their bank (as it's not to pay their mortgage installment until January, by which time I'll be gone) so I should be able to expect it back as soon as I ask for it.





I'd like some advice though as my landlord can be difficult (it's not managed by a letting agent, I deal directly with the landlord), and I'm concerned that they may tell me I can't have my money back straight away (for whatever reason they can think of).





Now I know I can take them to a small claims court and I will get the money back even if it takes me 5 years, but ideally I want it back now, especially before Christmas, seeing as though I am giving them the contractual one month notice before I leave and am (as far as I'm aware) fully within my rights to expect the money back pretty sharpish (perhaps while I'm even still living here?).





Anyone have any advice as to how to go about requesting a date of payment, and who to go to if they kick up a fuss (ie. is there a tenant's association or something?). I mean I know I could go to the police, but I really just want to sort this all out as quickly and as peacefully as possible.





Thanks guys|||As far as I'm aware there isn't a tenants association that covers private tenants. There is a problems with your landlord gov page - I've put the link below. |||Go onto the UK website of Landlordzone forums. There you will find experts in Residential and Commercial properties and Lettings. They will tell you what your legal rights are, all for free.


Good Luck|||Katrisha i think that you are being a little naive here. In the first place by paying in advance until January it could be taken that you have contracted to stay for at least that long! Go to the Police - what for he has not committed any crime, nor will he have by being tardy in refunding you. Landlords are not noted for making upon demand repayments and i dont suppose for one moment your one will be any different - he has his xmas to pay for as well. Plus of course he needs time to dream up a few damage items to charge you for. You have no right of immediate refund and i really am not at all sure that you will have a right of refund anyway as by paying in advance you have effectively changed the unwritten terms of contract.





Good luck though.