What are the chances of getting money back?

Take them back. You are still entitled to fair use and 2 weeks is certainly not that.

That's why written agreements should always be signed and notarized. These agreements are in addition to the lease to which you are both bound. If you fail to pay the rent or the bills, it will adversely affect your credit rating and possibly your ability to buy a home or get certain jobs in the future. So, I would suggest that you pay the bills and bill your roommate for the amount that is hers. Indicate the time period and be sure to state that her name is on the lease and that she also owes you the rent. It doesn't matter whether or not you stay in the apartment or the home 24 hours or 10 hours. If your name is on the lease, you are obligated to pay rent. Therefore your roommate is obligated to pay her share of the rent and the electricity and other bills. If you send her the bills and if you demand payment within a certain period of time, you are protected and you have proof -- a copy of the lease being one of the things that obligates her to pay. Also, if she paid rent at any time, that could estop her from claiming that she doesn't owe the rent. She is just as bound by the terms of the lease as you are and if the lease is broken, she is just as obligated to pay her share of the rent as you both would be if you both broke the lease. I would be sure to attach a letter to your rent payment stating that your roommate has failed to pay her share of the rent and is in violation of the lease agreement. You might indicate that you are going to go after her in small claims court for her share of the rent and other bills. Respect has nothing to do with the law. She is legally bound and if you have a written agreement it is easy to prove that. If you don't have an occupancy agreement in addition to the lease, you might have difficulty getting the other bills but if you keep your cool, you could get all of it. Oh, and be sure to indicate on the bill you send her that if you must go to court to collect the bill, you will also require that she pay your legal fees and all the fees involved with the collection process. That should get her moving. One other thing. Be sure you make a copy of the voicemail she sent and keep it as evidence. Make sure you can get the date of the voice mail and it would be even better if you can get a copy of your phone records for the date so you can prove that she called you and left the voicemail. Follow Angel's advice regarding the cancelled checks and receipts as well.

They have to be fit for purpose and they are obviously not. Take them back and ask for a refund. If they refuse tell them you are contacting Trading Standards.

i would say chuck them because the second pair will probably be just as bad.

might aswell check, go to the customer service desk and ask.