Non Return of Office Rental Deposit

[jardinec]

Until 4 weeks ago we had been renting a room in an office from a private landlord. Money was paid monthly into his account.

Rent always paid on time, and we gave the correct notice etc on termination. The office was left clean and tidy.

Landlord said deposit would be returned within 1 week, and after 7 days he contacted us for our bank details. Since then we have had no contact (despite numerous attempts). On returning to the property it turns out he has thrown out the other tenants and closed the place up with the intention of converting it back into a flat.

Deposit was £750 and this is in Scotland if that matters. Landlord has a ltd co (but was not using it for the rental) and apparently has multiplke other properties.

So - fed up chasing now, where do we go next?

Straight to a debt collection agency?
Police?
Solicitor?

[surveyor]

Assuming that Scotland has Small Claims off you go after Letter before action.

If anyone asks if it's protected it does not count because its not residential. I've also got a suspicion (as opposed to being certain) that the whole deposit registration thing does not exist in Scotland full stop.

[fridaypassion]

I had this when moving out of a unit last year. It was refunded the day I sent them a scan of the small claims paperwork.

[jardinec]

Gentle suggestion of small claims action and the money was returned today.

Good result.

[fridaypassion]

Good stuff. None of them want a CCJ