Estate agent lost my only set of keys

jason46

Hi

Two weeks ago Wiliam H Brown the estate agents lost my only set of keys, A phone conversation I had with one of the employee's at the branch I was told to call a locksmith and send the bill to them,

I called a locksmith out to gain entry to the property and he had to replace to locks at a price of £172,

William H brown are now refusing to reimburse me,

What should I do?



cheers

jay

poppysarah

Are they selling your house?

I would send them the bill and give them 7 days to pay and then I would small claims it.

Have you changed ALL affeced locks?

jason46

I was selling my house with them but they have now taken it off the market without my consent,

All locks have been changed

poppysarah

Taken it off the market? Presumably because you're now in dispute.

I would assume that even if it were not your only set of keys you would want all locks changing to ensure your property is safe.

As above though - 7 days and then court.

tbs624

You need to write a formal letter to them stating only the facts, ie your understanding of how the keys came to be lost, who you spoke to on which date & what was agreed. Tell them you look forward to receiving a cheque for the full cost within 5 working days. If you don't hear you then send a 2nd letter entitled Letter Before Action telling them that you will pursue the matter to the small claims court, and will also ask for interest and court costs.

Explain that you will specifically arrange for a reporter to do an article in the local rag on your experience of using their firm.

Check whether they are members of the NAEA -if so they have to sign up to a code of practice.

You can also make use of the ombudsman if you are getting nowhere with them https://www.oea.co.uk