Security deposit scam??

suzmitch

My husband and I live in the US. We recently spent a wonderful week in London. Because we really had wanted to get to know the city, we rented a flat for the week, through a property management agency. The agent we "worked with" was difficult, to say the least - - and I should have been forewarned by the fact that he required a security deposit of 595 GBP - - 100% of the weekly rate! I went ahead and paid it, because the advertisement for the apartment made it sound wonderful

Well, first of all the apartment, although well located, was hardly the "luxury flat" described in the advertisements. But now, I REALLY have a problem. I cannot get the rental agent to commit to returning my security deposit - - in response to my inquiries, he simply keeps sending emails saying "I have forwarded your request to the landlady and she will return your deposit in a timely fashion." He refuses to give me any direct contact information for the landlady.

I am really afraid I am being scammed, and that they have no intention of returning my security deposit - - they probably think I am some dumb American tourist who will just "go away". They are wrong, however, and I fully intend to pursue this...but I need some help. Are there particular private or governmental agencies with which I can register a complaint and who might be able to help me?

I would be VERY grateful for any advice you can provide. 595 GBP is a lot of money to me, and I really want to get this back.

thank you!!

mclaren_2

I am not 100% about this, but you could contact the met police. https://www.met.police.uk or call on international +44 (0)20 7230 1212 - that will get you through to the 24 hr switchboard who will direct you call. They might tell you that you must give 28 days or x days before a complaint can be given. £600 as you said, is alot of money!

Blacksheep1979

Its a civil matter the police won't do anything at all - as said in your other post

Only real way would be to go through the small claims court system, but to do that you have to have an address in the UK. You can see if the agents are registered with ARLA and complain to them but ultimately your contract would be with the landlord/landlady and it is up to them to return the deposit not the agency - even if it was the agency that took it.

hollydays

How long have they been keeping you waiting?
see also
england.shelter.org.uk
Re new legislation (april) on deposits

MercilessKiller

I had to pay a £950 deposit for my rented flat

I'll receive that after I've left once the place is checked and stuff I assume.

Dave_Brooker

mclaren wrote: »

I am not 100% about this, but you could contact the met police

You can't phone the police because someone still has your deposit!

mclaren_2

Dave_Brooker wrote: »

You can't phone the police because someone still has your deposit!

The OP put it over as she had been scammed; conned out of the £600 - since that is theft, it is a police matter.

For all i know, she could have been waiting for over a year for the money back. No information - thus police could gie her the best info whether it be court or what

Blacksheep1979

mclaren wrote: »

The OP put it over as she had been scammed; conned out of the £600 - since that is theft, it is a police matter.

For all i know, she could have been waiting for over a year for the money back. No information - thus police could gie her the best info whether it be court or what

There has to be some form of dishonesty an the intent to permanantly deprive for theft - as I pointed out earlier its a civil matter and the police won't be in the slightest bit interested. However saying you can't contact the police as someone still has something is complete rubbish as I'm sure someone still has my mates laptop that was nicked - it just aint theirs.

advent1122

How recent????
Has it been longer than a few weeks?
I know when I had to put a deposit on a villa I stayed in it took the owner 3 weeks to return it.

Dave_Brooker

mclaren wrote: »

The OP put it over as she had been scammed; conned out of the £600 - since that is theft, it is a police matter.

It's a civil matter, the police will not be interested.

You can't ring the police because someone owes you some money...

LondonDiva

Is the agent part of a professional body? You could go through that