Notice period/ with holding deposit

[sam72431]

I won't go into details as to why but having had a bit of a nightmare experience at my last yard and after two months ? have moved! I gave notice on 6th July despite not having a contract I just felt it was the right thing to do as pay monthly. New yard I couldn't move to until 2nd August which I stated when I handed notice in. I paid a deposit prior to moving in of a month's rent although obviously not in writing due to no contract ? anyway I offered to pay additional days and assumed I would be told not allowed to move until 6th or I would have to pay until then. What actually happened was I was told that I had to go on 31st July and not the yard owners problem what I did with my horse. Luckily my new yard were able to move things around so I could move in. I have never encountered this before and when I questioned it I was told that yard owner not beholden to me and when I want to move?! That I could put my horse in my garden for all she cared?! I luckily don't move yards very often normally only due to a yard being sold or me moving house but I don't think this is normal practice?

I moved today and left the stable and storage areas cleaner than I found them and informed the owner I had left and gave bank details for returning my deposit she has now blocked my number and I assume will not be returning my money?! What what you do? I am so sick and tired of all the drama. Any help much appreciated!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Give her a week to pay, if no show, write a recorded delivery letter stating you want the deposit back (I hope you took photos of your stable and storage areas with a reliable date in it like a newspaper on show with the day's date showing) and if still no show, another letter saying you intend to take them to the small claims court if not paid with in a set time (1 week say). Then court when they don't cough up.
I have done this in the past as been caught out too many times so I don't fanny about now, court works.
Good luck, Oz

 

[Roxylola]

Write it off or pursue through small claims. Personally I'd write it off and just be glad I'm out for the sake of my mental health

 

[Polos Mum]

When do you pay. Assuming its 1st of Month, you paid 1st July for that month then gave notice on 6th the July

So technically you owe them for 6 days in August - which I think they could reasonably take out of your deposit.

So rough estimate of £100 a week livery, - deposit of £400 - less the livery you owe £85 - they owe you ish £315. You could try a small claims court claim but it might not be worth the emotional effort for the small chance you get it back.

I'm on the other side and someone did a flit owing £500 - I know where she moved to and could chase round for it but I've bigger things to worry about.

 

[sam72431]

No sorry not sure if clear I pay 1st of each month gave notice on 6th July asked to move on 3rd August and said would pay additional days out of deposit money but was told had to leave on 31st July prior to new yard being able to take me was told not her issue what I did with my horse. Luckily could move earlier but now for reasons known only to herself is refusing to return deposit money?

 

[Polos Mum]

When you leave or choose to leave is not relevant - some people leave straight away (still owe notice), some leave at the end of the notice - when you physically leave it doesn't make any difference to notice you pay.

They definitely owe you most of the deposit back - chances you'll ever see it are slim if they've not entered into sensible conversations with you - sadly. You could go and see them and speak to them - but if they've been difficult over the phone that might not be the best plan.

You can try a small claim - but it's loads of grief and stress for a few £hundred.

 

[TPO]

Long story short I left a yard and they were due me money back after notice. I did have a contact with the yard but like most livery contracts I dont think it was worth the paper it was written on.

They refused to return it. They hadnt blocked me so I text my bank details and said if it wasnt returned by X date I would make a claim via small claims court. They messaged me the day before the end date for my address and then sent a cheque. Presumably they sent a cheque to be awkward but regardless I got my money back.

It was only a couple of hundred but it was the principle, why should they get to keep the money. Even more so when the YO havent acted correctly.

As theyve blocked you I'd send a recorded letter informing them that if £X isnt returned by X date that you will pursue through small claims court.

I believe that toi can start small claims proceedings online now so even easier.

 

[sam72431]

Thank you for all help and advice I will give her a couple of days and then if nothing will send a letter as suggested and see what happens

 

[SusieT]

So in this case she chose to shorten your notice- so you dont actually owe her 31 july- 6th august as there was no stable available - differen ti fyou had wanted to leave 31 but you didnt. I would give it til mid next week then write a letter- its easy to say write it off but why should she have your hard earned money because she cant be bothered to return it?

 

[sam72431]

So in this case she chose to shorten your notice- so you dont actually owe her 31 july- 6th august as there was no stable available - differen ti fyou had wanted to leave 31 but you didnt. I would give it til mid next week then write a letter- its easy to say write it off but why should she have your hard earned money because she cant be bothered to return it?

This is exactly how I feel and if I'm honest money is tight I'm on Furlough at the moment and every penny counts! I knew she would behave like this especially after how she behaved even handing my notice in.