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!!

Meatballs

Normally your agreement is between you and the landlord/lady with the agent as a go between. They can only release your deposit with the Landlord/lady's consent.

However, they should supply you with a copy of the landlord's address. It should be on the document/contract/tenancy agreement you signed for the appartment?

Keep pursuing it, and make sure you send letters, asking for the return of your deposit, with an actual date or deadline for the action to happen (ie in 14 days or by the xx of july etc). This stands up far better in court if it gets to that, and may give them a kick in the !!!!.

Also send a letter requesting the address of the landlord. It is a legal requirement at least for longer tenancies to provide this.

Some landlords prefer to deal through agents and remain anonymous as far as their tenants are concerned. However, under the provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, tenants of dwellings in England & Wales, who make a written request to an agent, have a right to the landlord's name and address.
This information must be supplied within 21 days. The legislation refers only to the landlord's name and address, not his telephone number or any other form of contact details.

(Landlordzone.co.uk)