No refund of deposit

Questioner

I only got €52.73 back from my paid deposit of €1,250. A large part that I did not get back is an invoice for a window that I was held liable for, an amount of €972.27. There was a very small crack in the window that I noticed the day after delivery and reported along with some other things that were not quite right. Also, the crack was not even on the inside, I made a video of this before the window was replaced. In addition, the invoice that was drawn up is not legally valid, it comes from the landlord and not from the company that would have replaced the window. I also have serious doubts about replacing the window as the same cobwebs were still on the outside of the window, they charged for a cherry picker that they did not use. Here too I have made proof that the window was not removed. Furthermore, I was intimidated by the landlord and the owner of the building. They came to the door and asked if they could look at the window. Then, once they were inside, they started threatening that if I didn't pay the invoice, they would leave the space empty for a month so that I would have to paint the painted walls again and also take out the floor. Something that would cost me extra money because the new tenant can't take it over. The landlord first indicated that they could not refund the deposit if I had not paid the invoice. After writing a letter that they had to refund me the deposit or legal action would be taken, they only refunded a small amount. There are several tenants who have had problems with this landlord. What else can I do to ensure that I get back the deposit I am entitled to?

Lawyer

What an annoying situation. The deposit is intended for costs such as overdue rent and/or defects to the rented property that are the responsibility of the tenant. In this case, you may indeed wonder whether a crack on the outside of the window falls under that definition. In addition, the question is whether a bill of almost 1000 euros is reasonable in this case. This is especially the case if you can demonstrate that no (or not all) work has taken place. The landlord will in principle (initially) have to be able to demonstrate which costs have reasonably been incurred. Please feel free to contact me via my profile if you have any questions or wish to discuss the matter further.