Return of Deposit

Im not sure if this is the right forum so apoligies in advance if its not!

My sister has rented an apartment, the lease is up and they are moving out. When they went to notify the management company they were told that they no longer dealt with the property, that the landlord was looking after it himself now. They had never been told of this.
The management company is however looking for the keys but says that they have to go to the landlord for their deposit.
They have never had any dealings with the landlord and had paid the deposit to the management guy. I had told her not to give the keys until they got the deposit sorted but she is not sure where she stands.
Does anybody have any advice on the best way to deal with this?

Don't pay the last month's rent in lieu of deposit (if they're equal)?

I think the PRTB would be able to enforce return of the deposit.

They are all paid up on their rent. They have moved their stuff out and they were supposed to hand back the keys today

Did sister ask why were they asking for keys if they were no longer dealing with the apt?
Did she contact landlord?
Is mngt co a licensed auctioneer or a small private two-man office or what ?

Sounds iffy. And if there is any dodginess going on then then you must make as much fuss as loudly as possible -immediately and continually. PRTB take ages but ,yes, should be contacted.

Returning keys or not probably won't make much difference, so don't depend on them having much hostage value. Landlord probably has a set and will change locks.

The management agency are B/Sing you. They probably want the keys themselves to get the landlord to pay overdue fees.

You sis should hang on to the keys until she gets her deposit back. Even if the landlord can change the locks, it'll cost him.

deposit for keys, keys for deposit.

A tenant is obliged to give back keys at the end of lease, the landlord has more than likely a set anyway. The landlord probably has the deposit so not much the mgt. agent can do. Tenant needs to contact landlord and request return of deposit. A landlord can only make deductions from deposit for 2 reasons arrears of rent/ utility bills (this includes insufficient notice) and damage over normal wear and tear. If deductions are made, tenant can look for proof of damage and vouched receipts for replacement. A landlord can not charge the full cost of replacing an old item with a new one. Ultimately if the landlord still does not refund deposit a tenant can bring a case to PRTB at a cost of €25. A tenant should also check with the PRTB to ensure tenancy is registered. If it is not they can use this as negotiation with landlord as tenant opening a case with them exposes the landlord to hefty fines etc.