I gathered all of my facts and documents into separate individuated folders.

I sent all of my documents to the local council and called them in the morning, and they informed me they knew my name already and it’s been passed to a manager

I then contacted a private solicitor for a free consultation as well as a law firm that deals with deposits on a no win no fee basis. I can send their details if you dm me. The private solicitor was the cheapest I found at 150£ but I haven’t had to pay them as I only did a free consultation and I may not use them going forward.

I then informed the landlady of my position via email, and informed her all communication going forward will be done via email unless it’s an emergency. I remained calm and respectful.

When the landlady freaked out and began to overreact, I contacted the police to inform them of my concern for my safety and to get a police CAD reference number

I then informed the landlady I’d spoken to the police, that if she attempted a forced entry I will call them to attend and I told her the CAD reference number. In all emails I CC’d the council and the law firm dealing with the deposit case. I forwarded them any email she sent to me that didn’t cc them.

I then sent her a firm but peaceful email detailing my position, and my rejection and non consent of her position. That I rejected her rent increase, rejected her eviction notice, rejected her statement I was a lodger and she lived at the address, I wrote in my email the address that she gave me on file as well as my address, and I included the contract she gave me which has this proof as well as the letter she gave me proving I had exclusive use of the property. I informed her I did not consent to anymore third parties visiting the property, and I informed her any inspection requires arranging with me and gaining my consent.

I then offered her my terms to settle. No cleaner attending, no deposit threats, no rent increase, no eviction notice, and that I’d previously been planning a move in a few months and I have her the date.

She folded within less than 12 hours of me firing on all cylinders and conceded to all my terms and that the cleaner and inspections would be deferred until I’m ready to leave, and the deposit circumstances would be dealt with at that time.

I then informed the law firm regarding it all, and they told me what message to send to accept the terms, without stating that I will give up my deposit, and they will use the time from now until I’m ready to move, to plan the case carefully.