Have I Lost Deposit/Bond ?

lancsman_2

Last Thursday we went to look at a private rented house. I was told on the phone when arranging the appointment if we wanted it we would have to pay the bond of £250 as there were several people interested in it. We liked it and paid the £250. The tenancy was subject to me obtaining work and character references so I signed nothing at that point.

Today I rang work for the reference and was told that decisions are in the pipleine to end all contractors work at the company at the end of October. Although it's still at discussion stage the decision is likely to go ahead and they don't need to tell me until the start of October. Being forewarned with this advance notice I have decided we can't now afford to rent the new property and rang to cancel. The landlord told me I wasn't entitled to the return of the £250. Is this correct or should I press the issue. One kick in the teeth is bad enough in a day, 2 is hard to bear.

I also note on the receipt for the £250 it is described as a deposit not bond if that makes any difference.

Manchester_Lucy

Wow I would say that you've been scammed.

Personally I would never ever hand over any money whatsoever until any references had been taken up and contracts had been signed.

I can't offer any legal type advice but I'm sure that someone will be able to but I would keep fighting for your money and pay a visit to Citizen's Advice ASAP, Also get as much info as possible about the people who you've given the money to.

Angela_D_3

Chester rentals tried this one with me and i took them to the small claims court and won. Try and stop the cheque if not file an online court summounds it'll cost £30 which the landlord pays.

lancsman_2

Update :

I have had a message left on my phone to say he will return £100 of the deposit. He says he will have to keep £150 to pay for re-advertising the property. Strange not only was the property not advertised, I found out about it by word of mouth but if you remember in my original post he had a waiting list of people to see the property, hence the bond required. ??

I have found this on the Shelter website which refers to letting agencies;

"If you find a property you like, the agency may charge a holding deposit while they take up references. This should be deducted from the amount of rent in advance or deposit you pay once your references come through. The agency might ask for references from your employer, bank and/or previous landlord.

If you don't move into the property you may lose the holding deposit. If you think the agency has unfairly kept your money get advice. You might be able to claim it back in the county court."

Angela_D_3

You have him on the ropes, he's talking !!!!e and he knows it. Threaten him with court action.

real1314

tell him you want the £250 back, or he'll be in court.

he can't charge you for advertising, he said he'd got a waiting list, he's taking the P***

devils_advocate

I would have thought that you relied on his representations that there were other people after it, in giving him the deposit. If it turns out that he has to readvertise as nobody else wanted it, you can clim back on the grounds of misrepresentation?