Villa Rental, end of contract issues

Hi Guys,

This serves as both a warming to others, and just to get other people to add anything they might be aware of, in this case.

My rental contract ended recently, and apon leaving I got an email from the property management company stating what I owed, and that they are happy for me to leave. I was okay with those terms so i agreed and left on that same day. 1 week later, I got an email from them saying that they will be keeping my deposit, and they would like for me to pay them an additional 3 months rent.

The legal team for this organisation had in previous interactions shown to be very unprofessional. I had needed to chat to them for a previous matter, that was not of big importance, I was told the matter could not be dealt with over the phone, so i got permission to get off work to go and see them, I was made to sit in the office with their legal representitive and as asked to be quiet when I asked anything, while he read the news paper for 40 mins, every time i made mention i would rather just leave, they got upset and told me to wait. eventually the legal guy gave me his answer, which as 3 words, and then left.

I have all the emails from them, showing the lead up to this, them saying I can leave and that all is well. so I dont think they will get anything out of me.

BUT. i have heard from a few people, that as the market is down the land lords, and management companies are trying to get as much money as they can. and as a result, situations like this are happening. they get no recourrse for an unethical action such as this, but in some cases get lucky and get paid.

in all cases, keep everything in writting, agree as little as possible over the phone.