Should I accept ?

Leelaston

Long story but basically a letting agent I did use to try and rent a flat for me has given the keys to the flat to someone without logging who it was !

This has delayed the renting of the flat and caused considerable stress to me as I have been seriously ill (a fact known to the agent). Also my bank details were given to someone in a foreign country without my knowledge in order for rent to be paid by the previous tenant sourced by them.

In light of this they have offered two weeks rent to smoothe things over even though the whole episode has seen the flat vacant for over four months...

Any ideas on should I acce[SIZE=-1]pt their offer ? It just seems derisory to me.
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Fire_Fox

Do you mean you are the landlord letting the flat to a tenant or you are the tenant renting a flat from a landlord??

Leelaston

I am the landlord.

G_M

Work out exactly what you've lost: cost of changing locks, costs of changing your bank (if you did), lost rent, additional council tax, utilities etc you've paid etc. and an amount for stress.

Then write to the agent claiming that amount and explaining exactly why they are responsible for these costs (your post does not really explain why their actions resulted in more than 4 months delay).

See if they increase their offer. If they do not, or only increase it a bit, write again threatening to take out a Small Claims Court claim against them. Although these claims are relatively cheap and easy to pursue in the SCC, be aware it is stressful, and if you are unwell it may not be worth the agrovation. Only you can decide that. Best of luck!

Leelaston

Thanks for that. Basically I have already done this - written out the costs . It took four months because I had to get another agent and there were no takers as the flat was left dirty. Since then i've had it cleaned and it is now let as from today.

What i am really annoyed at is the total lack of res[SIZE=-1]ponsibility on their [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]part.[/SIZE]

clutton_2

sadly letting agents are not regulated so anyone can become one and provide excellent or abysmal service.

I assume you have signed an agreement with them. you will almost certainly find that there is no agreed time within which they say they will find a tenant for you - so they will not have breached their contract with you.

A judge might argue that it is your responsibility as the LL to get the flat cleaned ready for letting

If i were you i would take the 2 weeks money and find another agent