Good morning!
TLDR - Plot being held "ransom" because committee have quadrupled key deposit without informing me (or anyone).
Looking for some advice regarding key deposit (in case you lose it etc).
Now I know not everyone will deal with the but its not necessarily the key thats the issue now.. its gone into legalities etc now
I originally paid for a key deposit.
Lost the key and contacted for a replacement.. first time in years I've asked for anything from them. And admit the key loss my fault but I thought my original key deposit covered that.. apparently not!!
To be told it was now 4x the amount and I wouldnt be allowed access to the plot if I didn't pay that. They have decided this because of people abandoning their plots apparently, fair enough do something about that but it's a standard padlock and key I'd rather buy them a whole new lock than pay £20 for a key that others still have even if they've abandoned their plots.. the deposit being higher punishes us currently with plots not them? They'll still have the key and access to the allotments without paying rent etc as the new deposit isn't for new locks just a replacement key🤦🏻♀️
I asked where this was documented, they apparently held a meeting last year but never sent us the notes via email like they usually do, never posted them on the noticeboard etc.
Then asked if my original deposit was being returned or put towards the new one... the response I got?
They did a plot inspection knowing the situation (they actually bypassed my allotment when they were doing these inspections less than a month ago. They decided to do another inspection specifically for me for some reason) and have given me my first warning.
All while ignoring my previous 2 emails regarding the deposit and asking for the notes.
Can anyone advise what leg I have to stand on here? I thought legally if a deposit (for anything) is changed you have to be informed and old deposit returned?
UPDATE - Attached is their email response. How can they think this is acceptable or am I maybe more entitled than I'd hope to be? 😅
*"We have had a committee decision regarding your emails and the decision is.
You lost your key so you dont get back your key deposit of £5.
If you want to carry on working your plot the new key deposit is £20.
If you are not happy with this decision or the rules then you should maybe consider giving up your plot.
Regards
The Committee"*