u/Neat-Tomatillo7532

Hey folks! Just wondering if anyone can provide a little advice.

I am currently renting an apartment with other housemates. Not everyone is on the lease, not for any reason in particular, but it was just easier to fill the room when someone left rather than get the agency involved.

Anyway, a housemate, who was not on the lease so I guess is considered subletting, after more than 6 months decided to leave. We told them they needed to give us 1 month's notice. They gave a week's notice and skipped out on bills. Before they left, they were told their deposit which they paid to another housemate would not be returned in order to cover their rent and bills (which didn't even cover all of it).

They also caused some significant damage to their bedroom.

They are now demanding their deposit be returned.

There was no signed contract that stated they must give one months notice.

Does anyone have any advice where we stand on keeping their deposit? We are already out of pocket as the deposit did not cover their bills and rent. We have gotten quotes to repair the damages and it's going to cost 100s extra.

Are we in the right to keep their deposit? Can we request they pay more for the additional damages they have caused?

Many thanks!

Pussycat Dolls

Subletting and notice period