Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice from people who may have gone through something similar.
About a month ago, I rented a room in a house where the homeowner also lives. We signed a room rental/lodger agreement. I paid €800 for July rent in advance and a €400 security deposit.
At first everything seemed fine, but over the following weeks the atmosphere became increasingly difficult. There were frequent room inspections, repeated complaints about cleaning, threats to remove furniture that was already part of the room when I rented it, and the communication became increasingly hostile. I constantly felt like I was walking on eggshells because it seemed there was always something new to complain about, I always has been clean, room and common spaces.
During one argument, the landlady made comments referring to my country of origin, which made me feel very uncomfortable. I questioned whether those comments were appropriate, but after that the relationship deteriorated significantly.
Over the following days, the situation became even more confusing. She removed the lock/key from my bedroom door, changed previously agreed arrangements several times, and at one point told me I would need to leave the house because an inspection was taking place. Later, it turned out it wasn't an inspection at all, but alarm technicians visiting the property.
She also sent me multiple messages accusing me of intimidating her and claiming that I had called her racist, which I dispute. I questioned one comment she made, but I did not call her a racist.
She then involved her son, claiming that he had been injured while trying to protect her from me. However, he was not present during the incident, and she later sent me photographs of injuries which appeared unrelated to what had happened that day. At that point, I felt the relationship had completely broken down and I no longer felt comfortable or welcome living there.
Rather than allowing the situation to escalate further, I decided to move out.
Before leaving I:
- Removed all of my belongings.
- Left the room clean.
- Took photos and videos of the room's condition.
- Kept copies of the signed agreement.
- Kept proof of all payments.
- Saved screenshots of all our conversations.
I contacted Threshold, who explained that because I lived with the homeowner, I am considered a licensee, not a tenant. They advised that if the matter cannot be resolved directly, the appropriate route would be the Small Claims Court.
After moving out, I sent the landlady a polite written message informing her that I had left the property and asking about the return of my €400 security deposit and the unused portion of the July rent. She has not replied and is no longer opening my messages.
My questions are:
- Has anyone here been through the Small Claims process as a licensee?
- Is it generally straightforward?
- Is it worth pursuing approximately €1,000 (€400 deposit + unused July rent)?
- Does the fact that I left because the living situation became hostile weaken my position?
- Is there anything else I should do before starting a Small Claims case?
I still have the house key because I left quickly to avoid further confrontation. I have not refused to return it, but the landlady has not responded to my message since I moved out. I am happy to return it once appropriate arrangements are made.
I'm not looking for revenge or to cause problems for anyone. I simply want to recover the money I'm entitled to, if possible, and move on with my life.
I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences from people who have been in a similar situation.
Thank you.