Thanks to everyone for all the helpful replies. The deposit I retained was 530. I didn't make the 25 euro payment for a counterclaim, and maybe I should gave done this. I just replied to all the tenant's allegations with evidence from text messages between us and between another tenant and I that what she was saying was completely untrue, and also emails between the tenant/licensee's mother and I. I also attached the email from me to her mother stating the room was rented for the accademic year, and the correspondence from her mother asking if she could stay until May. She was so difficult in November after leaving rotting food around after a patty she had, and was so unapologetic, that I said she could move out and if her room and cupboards were clean I would give her depisit back. She had actually threatened my daughter with a kitchen knife she was holding when my suaghter approached her about not keaving food open or the remains of food in the sink. However, about 2 hours after I said I didn't like her attitude and she could have her deposit back if she left her room and cupboards clean, she texted me back to say her parents had advised her to stay and not to leave over minor disagreement, then she left suddenly 6 weeks later on New Year's Day, and insisted on having her depisit back. I reminded her that the room rental was advertised as 9 months for accademic year, that when I suggested she leave 6 weeks previously she wanted to stay, that the mice infestation she had caused cost 570, and that before she ever moved in I had emailed her mother about the importance of keeping the place tidy to avoid rodent infestation. I also pointed out that she had given no notice and left at a time of year when it would be less easy to get another tenant. I am done with anything to do with tenants! This coming year is my daughter's last year in college and I will never need to rent out rooms again!!
I am just wondering how this judgement if she wins will be enforced. Will the sheriff come to get things to the amount if 530 from the house where my children live? That is not my house or I don't live there and haven't done so for 10 years. The house where I did live in Ireland is almost sold.
Should I worry re credit rating in Ireland? I am going to be living in UK for next 3 to 5 years. I am 58, so won't be borrowing for house etc. I will buy a car in the UK and take it back to Ireland at some stage, but I will be buying it in the UK based on credit history here.