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Feels ripped off by the Letting Agent
skyjumper
Posts: 489 Forumite
hello there,
just venting out my frustration here, so please bear with me
I was looking at properties to rent as I was moving for OH's work reason - and had a viewing of a property on a Thursday in June. we had more viewings that Saturday, so didn't want to commit the same day - anyway LA called that Friday morning saying there were other people interested, so went in Friday evening to fill in the reference form - to be told it will be 160 pounds for that, which they won't take any card - ONLY cash. filled in the form and gave the money, to be told that they need another form for my OH as they do the referencing for each and every adult going to live in the property. Also was told, that they can only do the process the referencing together, as its for the same property, and the charge of 160 was for upto 2 adults.
as OH was not with me, I got a form, which I said I will return either on Sat ( there are open 10am- 12noon) or the coming Monday, when they will send it for processing.
anyway, we saw another property that Sat and we liked it better, as was close to work and schools were better for the kids. Couldn't go in on Sat to the other place.
Rang them first thing on the morning on Monday to tell them, we won't be going ahead with the rental and was told that they had already processed my referencing form - stated that I was told that they could only process both the forms together ( OH form was still with me unfilled at the time) - they said, to call back later as the MD was not available.
called back later to be told, they will deduct 60 pounds as admin charges and will only give me back 100. I thought well, that's fair, as I felt responsible for the inconvenience caused.
now's here's the catch - they can't give my money back as I paid cash ( so noCC/DD or bank transfer - so I told I will contact them the next time I was in that town - next week called back to be told their Manager was not in that week, so asked to call back the week after.
I went away for 3 weeks and completely forgot abt this until yesterday I stumbled up on the small handwritten receipt which they gave me at the time I gave the money.
it's nearly 2 months now, and called them today - to be told - any money which is not reclaimed with in 28 days - they give it to Charity. I said I was not told abt this at any time of our phone converstaions ( they don't have their own websites, just advertise in Right move and the likes) and there is nothing mentioned in the paperwork they gave me or in the receipt they provided when I gave them the 160.
Now, I know I am at fault here - for not chasing my money, but just felt I have been ripped off.
is there like any organization I can make a complaint or just have to bite the bullet and carry on - It's not abt the money anymore, it's abt the principle, any suggestions welcome
thanks in advance
just venting out my frustration here, so please bear with me
I was looking at properties to rent as I was moving for OH's work reason - and had a viewing of a property on a Thursday in June. we had more viewings that Saturday, so didn't want to commit the same day - anyway LA called that Friday morning saying there were other people interested, so went in Friday evening to fill in the reference form - to be told it will be 160 pounds for that, which they won't take any card - ONLY cash. filled in the form and gave the money, to be told that they need another form for my OH as they do the referencing for each and every adult going to live in the property. Also was told, that they can only do the process the referencing together, as its for the same property, and the charge of 160 was for upto 2 adults.
as OH was not with me, I got a form, which I said I will return either on Sat ( there are open 10am- 12noon) or the coming Monday, when they will send it for processing.
anyway, we saw another property that Sat and we liked it better, as was close to work and schools were better for the kids. Couldn't go in on Sat to the other place.
Rang them first thing on the morning on Monday to tell them, we won't be going ahead with the rental and was told that they had already processed my referencing form - stated that I was told that they could only process both the forms together ( OH form was still with me unfilled at the time) - they said, to call back later as the MD was not available.
called back later to be told, they will deduct 60 pounds as admin charges and will only give me back 100. I thought well, that's fair, as I felt responsible for the inconvenience caused.
now's here's the catch - they can't give my money back as I paid cash ( so noCC/DD or bank transfer - so I told I will contact them the next time I was in that town - next week called back to be told their Manager was not in that week, so asked to call back the week after.
I went away for 3 weeks and completely forgot abt this until yesterday I stumbled up on the small handwritten receipt which they gave me at the time I gave the money.
it's nearly 2 months now, and called them today - to be told - any money which is not reclaimed with in 28 days - they give it to Charity. I said I was not told abt this at any time of our phone converstaions ( they don't have their own websites, just advertise in Right move and the likes) and there is nothing mentioned in the paperwork they gave me or in the receipt they provided when I gave them the 160.
Now, I know I am at fault here - for not chasing my money, but just felt I have been ripped off.
is there like any organization I can make a complaint or just have to bite the bullet and carry on - It's not abt the money anymore, it's abt the principle, any suggestions welcome
thanks in advance
0
Comments
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Send them a letter before action giving them 7 days to return the money.0
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This would be amusing if it wasn't so tragic.
They clearly have no intention of giving it back to you. The various reasons are all made up.
If you can prove you handed money over (do you have a receipt? or written correspondence?) then you have a chance to recover in small claims court. Letter before action is worth a try.0 -
any money which is not reclaimed with in 28 days - they give it to Charity.
I hope you guffawed loudly down the phone at this point? :rotfl:
As others have stated, send a letter before action for the full amount.
Maybe someone will be able to supply some handy quotes of consumer legalese.0 -
Thanks for the support guys.
luckily I still have the receipt which they gave me with all the details and money deposited.
is there a template letter I can follow - most of the conversations were over the phone and I don't even have their email id - otherwise I would probably have sent some of my queries on email, than over the phone.0 -
Letting agent - give to charity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's the best I've ever seen on this board!
As has been said - letter before action.0 -
Got a template off which website.
I guess this will probably the way forward unless anyone could help with me any other suggestions
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/action/letter-before-small-claims-court-claim0 -
Should I put 100 pounds or the whole 160 pounds - to receive back ?0
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At this point, I'd ask for the entire sum back. Let them negotiate it back down again after the LBA.Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps....
LB moment - March 2006. DFD - 1 June 2012!!! DEBT FREE!
May grocery challenge £45.61/£1200 -
bargainbetty wrote: »At this point, I'd ask for the entire sum back. Let them negotiate it back down again after the LBA.
Yes, definitely start with the full amount0 -
u know what,
just had a phone call from them, stating they are ok to give me 100 pounds, as they were only gonna give it to Charity next week.
I have a feeling the person I spoke to is also browsing through MSE - well something to start with.
I have been told to come to their office this Sat morning to get my 100 pounds0
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