Please help, mistakenly paid twice

Sabrina2000

Im moving out next week, we agred to pay for less than a month, up to the last day. so I went to my online banking page cancelled the regular monthly rent payment, then set up a new one off payment for the lower number. It went out no problems.
TODAY I SEE THE WHOLE MONTH just went out AS WELL

I have written to the agent and left multiple messages explaining saying sorry for the mistake, could they please tranfer the extra month back to me. But no response yet, and I need the months rent soon to pay for the new place ..............

Im sure I will get it back, but will it be in time?

What a mistake to happen.

agrinnall

Unfortunately the only speedy resolution will be if the LA does as you ask and repay you straight away. Anything else, going through your bank for resolution, will inevitably take longer. Good luck, let's hope your LA do as you ask.

BlueIsTheColour

Try contacting the bank. Did you edit the presumably standing order on the day before it was due to be paid? I did this once and apparently it's something to do with how a standing order works or so my bank said. I was lucky, the company I paid twice returned the extra payment to me via BACS straightaway.

A standing order isn't protected in the same way a direct debit is so you're at the mercy of the person you paid it to unfortunately... But the bank is still worth a try!
Good luck

Sabrina2000

Thanks, Im trying both the bank and the agent. It is clearly the banks fault, I stopped the payment, no question.

moromir

The important question is when did you stop it?

Standing Orders take a few days to be cancelled through the systems, I would be surprised if it didn't warn you of this during the cancellation process.

mattyprice4004

Sabrina2000 wrote: »

Thanks, Im trying both the bank and the agent. It is clearly the banks fault, I stopped the payment, no question.

Yep, as above - it may be your fault if only a few days before. The system can't halt one that's already been processed and is due to be paid shortly.

thesaint

Sabrina2000 wrote: »

I have written to the agent and left multiple messages explaining saying sorry for the mistake, could they please tranfer the extra month back to me.

I would be concerned about an agent who doesn't answer their phone.
I think it's fair to say that they haven't read your letter yet.

Sabrina2000

I cancelled it on the 22nd, it was due to go out on the 27th, it still went out on the 27th

Ulfar

If it was standing order you need to cancel it at least 4 working days before, if it was direct debit 5 working days.

Your bank should have explained this if you did it in person, if you did it online some banks give a popup advising this.

macman

Sabrina2000 wrote: »

I cancelled it on the 22nd, it was due to go out on the 27th, it still went out on the 27th

That's only 3 working days.

agrinnall

macman wrote: »

That's only 3 working days.

However, despite what Ulfar says I'm not convinced that all banks need 4 working days to ensure the cancellation is effective. In fact, I'm doubtful if any bank starts their SO processing that far in advance.