Deposit not returned

Idbatterim

Hi, until recently my girlfriend and her friend had been sharing a 2 bed apt, when my gf moved in she gave €800 (her monthly rent as a deposit) the lease was up in June the main tenant my gf's friend, hasnt returned deposit. Where do we take this, is is a criminal matter? I dont think the PRTB board would be of use anymore because the money has been returned, I would have thought its a simple case of theft... The small claims court? solicitor? thanks for your help!

McCrack

Why has this other 'friend' not returned the deposit? What is she claiming?

Tom Young

Solicitor. I'll leave this open, forum charter - No Legal advice.

Victor

This sounds like you were a lodger and the PRTB might not apply.

Have a word with the PRTB and/or Threshold. www.prtb.ie www.threshold.ie

Idbatterim

Thaks for the replys! the main reason for not returning it is probably that her visa is due to expire shortly and she needs to prove she has 1 - 1.5k in her bank account! which is alot of money when you can barely afford to get by... so its pretty much a straight forward case of theft IMO. I have spoken to a solicitor and he said he can issue a solicitors letter, but the cost of legal action, were it to go to court wouldnt be far off what we are trying to recoup!

Victor

Certain cases like this can be through the small claims court, although I'm not sure if it will cover the deposit.

The mere threat of court action may have her thinking about the visa, although it might have her leave the country also.

Idbatterim

i also reckon the threat of court action, when her visa is already about to expire, may well force her hand...