Landlord did not return deposit

[sheriffo]

Hello
I am concerned that my landlord is not wanting to return the room rent deposit. Here is what happened.
Upon moving in in April, I transfered the deposit and the amount for the first month and since then, I would pay by bank transfer every month.
Now, after having moved out, I had given the landlord my bank details by text and expected the refund soon after, however, the money has not reached my account and the person is not answering my texts.

This issue comes as a complete shock because the couple expressed their satisfaction, offered references and asked for bank details.

What shall I do? They know of my plans to move to a different part of England, which may in their opinion increase their chance to get away with dishonesty.

Would it make sense to pay them an unexpected visit (now a different town) or to try to speak with the man's employer?

Advice on what to do would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[jaguarsuk]

You certainly shouldn't speak to their employer, it's nothing to do with them and visiting their home might be viewed as harassment.

If you know their address I would suggest a letter before action detailing you have tried to be reasonable and messaged them a number of times, but if they do not return the deposit you will be forced to issue a claim. If they don't pay you may well have to issue a county court claim against them.

In the letter I would advise them that if successful in a claim they would have a CCJ on their credit file for six years, if they still refused to pay it is your intention to instruct bailiffs to recover any judgement, that if they need debt advice the should contact the CAB and if they intend to ignore the letter they ought to seek legal advice.