Agent has mispaid deposit

Flashfly

Myself and three friends had big problems getting our deposit returned from our letting agent. After a year of emails and phone calls we clawed back what we could after the landlord had taken a unnecessarily large chunk for supposed damages. (info here - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1179817)

It turns out that the matter is not over. One of us still has not had any money returned as it seems that the agent split and paid the money three ways instead of four. The agent has admitted an administrative error and is wanting us to refund the overpaid amount. Do they have any legal right to make us pay? Does my friend have a legal right to claim his money from the agent?

Due to the stress and aggravation the agent has caused I want to refuse the return of the money. If the agent refuses to pay him the money then I'll pay him directly as I don't want to see him out of pocket.

Thanks,
Flash.

Imp

You should not profit from a mistake, were you aware that you had been overpaid? Either pay the agent or pay the other hosuemate, and either way, get a receipt.

Flashfly

I know what you are saying, but overall we still won't be in profit as the deductions for the supposed damages outweigh the mispaid amount.