UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have given my tenants 5 months notice, until September.

  They have found a property within a month of me giving notice but are now asking for me to return the deposit early so they can pay the new landlord his deposit!  They have been renting from me for 6 years and have been great tenants.  I have probably allowed them to do too much to the property like decorating it but this suited us both in a way.  It was supposed to be long term rental but my husband and I split up last August and I feel I need to move back in.

Should I agree to giving back the deposit before they move out?

We have potentially found a property to move into and are currently awaiting final checks and should know this week a possible moving in date, which could be May 30th. If this is agreed we will need to pay the £1000 deposit to the new landlord which is on this property.

The rent we have just paid takes us to 4th June and we will do our best to be out on 30th May but we need to ask if you would consider giving us the deposit back before the 30th as we need to pay the new landlord?
Please could you let us know as soon as possible.




The above is the email they sent me.

Please help

Thanks Sue

Yes the deposit was registered but I kept it in a building society account myself.

Under the circumstances I don't see why not.If they have been good tenants,you could treat it like any checkout,and arrange the inspection before you hand over the deposit.They sound unlikely to do any damage before leaving,and the rent is covered.Hope it goes well for you,moving back in.

This is a little tough but they shouldn't have to pay the deposit too far in advance. 

Plus if you can transfer the deposit from your account it should be more or less instantly back to them.

They could therefore ask to pay the deposit on the 30th of May, you could do the checkout the same day in the morning, they'd have it instantly in their bank and be able to transfer it on straight away. 

On the other hand if they have been good tenants for six years and you have a good relationship with them you could follow your gut, do an early inspection, then give it back to them a little sooner. This is the human and life aspect of the game and only you know the tenants, the risk, and whether you trust them.

Good luck!