Estate agent misdescription on a rent

54druids

Moved from scotland to england last week. Decided to rent for a year to suss out area before buy. Had to organise rent from scotland but husband managed to look at property first. We paid the estate agent an admin fee of almost £400 but the landlord will be managing the property. Prior to booking removals, i phoned the agent to ask if there was a washing machine in the property to which they answere yes so i didnt bring mine ( planning to rent out my own house). I arrived to find there wasnt one so i asked the agent if they were going to pay for it to be brought down. They said no, saying it was a genuine mistake and that they werent managing the property. I argued that this was to do with admin and maeketing and not ongoing management not to mention at the time they gave me the incorrect info - they did not refer me on to the landlord. This was pripr to me being given lanlords info or signing contract.Why should i have to fork out an extra 100 plus pounds when they gave me wrong info. Any advice?

G_M

You can persevere, but don't be too optimistic!

Do you have any written documentation? eg an advert for the property which mentions a washing machine? An inventory? Or just a verbal phone enquiry?

My advice would be to put your claim in writing to the agent, and enclosing a copy of your bill (transport or new washing machine) and see what happens.

Perhaps be prepared to compromise (eg accept half the cost).

If, ultimately, you were to go to court, you might have a, say, 50% chance of winning.

54druids

Thanks for replying. They arent denying they told me but just they dont think they should take responsibility.

tukka123

54druids wrote: »

Thanks for replying. They arent denying they told me but just they dont think they should take responsibility.

You need to make notes and copy any letters or even record phones calls. If they say it's a mistake on their behalf then they have to take the cost. That's what they are there for.
One bit of advice if you keep chasing them I will put money they will stop replying to your calls and even when you do get in contact they will stop admitting ti was their mistake.

They are slimy gits and you will have to fight them to the end of time.

Also just to make sure you are aware there will be an exit fee plus they will try to get you to renew to a fixed contract at the end of your lease... You don't have to do it this as it will legally go onto a rolling contract... They will deny this but its true.....

Don't give up and keep fighting.

Turnbull2000

If not in writing, little you can do.