Landlords ARE bastards
It took my last one four months to repay my deposit, despite promising he'd transferred it into my bank at least six times. He then deducted an "admin fee" for the extra paperwork involved in writing me a cheque and reconciling his accounts... Grr.

Make sure everything is witnessed, get some "independent" advice in writing. Also bandy about the names of a few local solicitors who are "no win no fee". Ask to see his evidence and make copies available for "independent verification" of his claims.

Very soon he'll figure out it'll cost him more than £200 in defending his claim and it'll be cheaper to just give in to you.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 28 Jan 2009, 12:55, Reply)