Is there any way I can get my security deposit back from my former landlord?

[D R]

I've recently finished in university and was living in a student house with five other people for two years. We all paid the landlord £280 as a security deposit before moving in. At the end of the first year two people moved out and were replaced. I decided to change rooms so that one of the new girls could have it, but before doing so the landlord had to inspect the room for damage etc. I was told that there were two stains on the carpet which needed to be removed before the new girl could move in. I then shampooed the entire carpet and removed the stains, and took photos, and also posted them in our house Facebook group. I have doubts as to whether the landlord checked the state of the room again before the girl moved in. Anyway, at the end of the second year when we were all moving out the landlord checked the entire house and told me that he may have to deduct some money from my deposit to remove a third stain, about which I was not informed, from the carpet, once he had ascertained the extent of the work that needed to be done. All the other housemates had their deposits back in early August but I haven't had a penny. I have been in touch with the landlord, and he's said he'd phone me back in the evening but hasn't. I've sent him a letter with the photographs, and Facebook screenshots which include the date, but have had no reply. I was wondering if I have any chance of getting any of the £280 back or if it's simply my word against his now. I'm pretty sure whatever stain he may be talking about, if there even is one, would not have cost £280 to remove. I don't see how he has given the girl who moved into my room her money back considering there is a chance she is the one who made the stain. Thank you for any advice

[pizza]

Just ask him, you never know until you try.

[Roger]

Landlords call it a deposit, but it is really a cleaning fee. If anybody gets a deposit returned they must be cleaning something and I guarantee it aint the apartment

[guiri]

Only if you are rich. The legal fees will be more than the deposit.

[MYRTEL]

The deposit belongs to you. So the landlord has to make and prove a case for keeping it. You must put in writing to him that you give him one week to return the money or you will go to small claims court.
Stop considering what he will do and wants and just fight to get your money back.
remind him of the photos in your letter. tell him you have seen a lawyer and have set in motion the process for small claims court. How does he know otherwise. ??

[Midders]

You can and will get it back, just make sure that whatever you sent him you get proof of postage and only send him copies. Even better, deliver them personally. You deserve your money back, because you are absolutely right, and with a little persistence you will get it.

[Xavier]

your legal recourse is the "small claims court". usually it just takes the suggestion of this to get people to pay up. they don't want to see their name in the newspaper!