Dear Claudienne,

I am having a serious issue in regard to getting a refund from the 138 Student Living operation which handles the accomodation for students living on the halls at The University of the West Indies Mona Campus.

I was asked to pay a security deposit on June 30, 2017 to reserve my room. I had also signed a 38-week contract (commencing September 1, 2017, and terminating May 30, 2018 ) which stated that at the end of the tenure, I would be refunded my security deposit. However, due to unforeseen events — that is a burglary at my home — I had to move off the hall on October 31, 2017.

I made the office aware of my predicament and I was advised by the supervisor to write a letter stating my reason for leaving and to also provide my banking details so that my refund could be processed.

I have made many visits to the office to query my refund and on each occasion I was told that it would soon be processed.

On January 25, 2018 when I called I was told that I would be contacted shortly. When I did not hear from them, I decided to visit the office on March 20, 2018. I was then informed that I may or may not receive my refund based on the confidentiality of the letter as well as the reason I had stated for leaving.

I am in dire need of my refund, owing to the fact that I was admitted to The University Hospital of the West Indies on November 7, 2017. and underwent emergency surgery that cost US$1,128 and up to now my debt has not been cleared.

I am seeking advice as to whether there are any grounds for me to be refunded even a fraction of my deposit.

Should I continue to insist that I am refunded or is it a case that I will not be refunded?

I would appreciate your help in this matter.

KM

Tell Claudienne contacted the manager of the 138 Student Living operation UWI, on Thursday, September 20. We note that the manager of 138 Student Living sent you an e-mail on Monday September 24, 2018, which stated the following:

“We refer to our telephone conversation and confirm that an amount representing your security deposit less bank charges was deposited to your account today.

Please accept our apologies for the inordinate delay in completing processing of your request.”

We wish you all the best.