Slater Hogg inepts refuse to refund overpaid rent

apphancer

I am having serious problems with Slater Hogg in Glasgow which are refusing to refund overpaid rent.
The tenancy has ended at mid-month on the 10th of June but rent was paid on full.

On the 26th of June the agency has agreed to refund the overpaid amount within 5 working days.

I have contacted the agency several times and sent in an official complaint on the 8th of July. Have been told it would get answered within 15 working days.

From the 10th of June it's almost 2 months now and they still haven't refunded money they owe me
This is absolutely ridiculous!

I am not sure what else can I do as I have already complaint to the regional manager.

apphancer

I forgot to add that this is second time this happens. Exactly the same thing happened a year ago when I was renting another property through Slater Hogg.

I actually believe Slater Hogg are a gang of thieves. It seems that's their practice to make customers desist.

theartfullodger

Two lines of attack...

a) Start going down the small claims route of Sheriff Court - see here for good advice..
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/consumer_s/consumer_taking_action_e/consumer_legal_actions_e/consumer_small_claims_s/taking_a_trader_to_court_s.htm
b) Write (yes, WRITE!! - keep copy) to manager or directors pointing out they appear not to be behaving as "fit & proper" people & you will be advising Glasgow council of same & suggesting they are removed from the register of lettings agents...

However as the company only appears to have £2 share capital don't hold your breath...

Having said all that your contract was with landlord (unless agent named as landlord on tenancy agreement): The agent is just that, landlord's agent. Write similarly to landlord.. you just might get 2 refunds...

Also see here..
http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/complaints_and_court_action/making_complaints/complaining_about_a_letting_agency

Slàinte mhath!

(Assuming you will never do business with them again..) there is of course the alternative of turning up at their most busy time (? 10:30 am Saturday) and sitting in the offices discussing the non-repayment loudly, forcefully but carefully politely & calmly whenever anyone else comes in...)

princeofpounds

I don't know about Scottish law, but in England monthly rent paid in advance is not divisible. I.e. use one day of a rental period, pay the whole period.

It sounds unfair, until you realise it has a very good legal purpose. If you are due 20 days of refund, why not 20 days and 8 hours? Why not 20 days, 8 hours, and 6 minutes? The courts have to draw the line somewhere, and they do that with reference to the minimum period of the rental.

Scotland may be different.

beecher2

They seem to have agreed to pay up - they'll probably blame the Fair for the delay. Maybe you could write and say you're taking it to Small Claims - with any luck that should spped them up.

Can't stand Slater Hogg myself - they think looking flash is more important than doing their job.

apphancer

thank you very much for your replies, it's really helpful advice

I will be writing them again and mentioning the small claims action

@theartfullodger I like the idea of turning up their office at making some noice about it

Any ideas which department of the city council I can speak with about their behaviour?

theartfullodger

apphancer wrote: »

...

@theartfullodger I like the idea of turning up their office at making some noice about it

Careful! Calm & Polite!

Any ideas which department of the city council I can speak with about their behaviour?

No I am not suggesting that: I am suggesting you inform agent/landlord that that is what you will do - unless they repay you - thus demonstrating they are "fit & proper"

If you carry out the threat before being paid you've thrown that chance away.