Estate Agent won't return my money

amohd14

Hi everyone,

The estate agent declined my application after I paid the application fees and the deposit. Because they declined my application I expected them to pay me back. They promised me to do that. But it's now more than two months and they still playing around saying it's the accountant or come back after 5 working days. It doesn't matter how hard I tried with them they still don't care.

So what should I do with them? Should I go to the police?

kingstreet

Did you sign a contract?

If so, what did it say?

Marginal as it may be, it's a 'letting agent' not an 'estate agent' and your consumer protection is different as a result.

amohd14

Thanks for your reply. Yes it is a letting agent. I did not sign the contract because they said that the landlord changed his mind and declined my application. But the agency did promise to pay me back the money. But it's getting ridiculously long.

Guest101

So use MCOL

G_M

Since 1st October 2014, the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 S83 requires letting agents in England to sign up to one of 3 schemes:

* The Property Ombudsman
* Ombudsman Services Property
* Property Redress Scheme

sheff6107

Letter Before Action. 7 days to refund or you will issue a county court claim.

parking_question_chap

Letting agents often try to get away with this.

I would go into their office shortly before closing and refuse to leave (Make sure the manager is there).

They might not be able to transfer the money there and then, eg if the finance team is in a different office, but if you do it a few times they will soon get fed up and pay you back. Or they may have to call the police and ask you to leave, whose presense should scare them into returning your fees.

Assuming of course we have the full story.

Which agent? name and shame.

amohd14

Thanks guys for your replies. The agent's name is ABACUS ESTATES. Their address is Office303 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1RD.