Let them know

Before you leave, tell official organisations when and where you're moving. If you get benefits tell the DSS and the Finance Assistant at the Town Hall. If your name is on bills like electricity, water or phone, make sure you tell the company. If you leave unpaid bills, you'll have problems using the service again in the future.

Getting your deposit back

You should get your deposit back in full, unless you owe rent or bills, or something is missing or damaged (you don't have to pay for normal wear and tear).

When you moved in you should have made an 'inventory' - a list of the items (including their condition) in the property. Go through this list with the landlord if there's a dispute. If the landlord refuses to do this, go through the list yourself, noting anything missing or damaged. It may be useful to take photographs when you leave to show the condition of the property - try to include a dated newspaper to prove when the photos were taken.

Deposit problems?

If the landlord holds your deposit unreasonably, write to them giving them a date when they should pay back the deposit. Tell them you'll take them to court if they don't pay. It's a fairly simple legal procedure - you may have to pay a fee (although not if you get Income Support), but you'll get it back if you win the case.

• Council of the Isles of Scilly
• Town Hall
• St Mary's
• Isles of Scilly
• TR21 0LW
• Tel: 01720 422537
• Fax: 01720 424017
• Email: enquiries@scilly.gov.uk >

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