Accidentally paid rent after leaving

fearLess

Hi all,

Handed notice in at the property I was living in, handed the keys back etc and forgot to cancel my standing order so £600 has been taken out of my bank that I really don't have right now and I'm concerned the estate agents are going to be funny about returning it.

Is there a time period that they have to stand by, or a time period I should give it before starting legal proceedings?

I've contacted the agents but due to NYE and all that I probably won't hear from them til midweek, but it's left me very stressed out with all that money gone.

davidmcn

You're entitled to the money back immediately, so I would try asking nicely and if that doesn't work à letter before action.

fearLess

Thanks for that.

We''re currently going through negotiations regarding the deposit as that hasn't been paid yet, officially the tenancy ends today but I handed the keys back 2 weeks ago for the agent's benefit. I was told at the time that I'd be getting it all back but then a couple of days later they emailed me saying the LL wants new carpets so that will be deducted, so it's ongoing as I disputed it, but I'm concerned they might try and hold the rent back as ransom to get me to agree to their deposit terms.

Kpossible929

Pretty sure they can’t do that. Also, unless you have damaged the carpets then it can be classed as wear and tear.

G_M

The 2 matters are separate and unconnected. Having said that, they might try to connect them.

You should write asking for the rent back immediately, but the fact that youve raised a dispute over the deposit might make them less than speedy over the rent.

The only time limit is what time you give them - which should be 'reasonable'. eg it's reasonable for them to take a day or two to process your request. Maybe a day or 2 extra if they have to get their accounts dept to check the extra rent's been paid, and issue a refund.

But if they delay, your only option is a Letter Before Action followed by court. Or to wait.

For the deposit

* Deposits: payment, protection and return

fearLess

Thanks for the comments everyone, I'll update when the letting agents are back in office after NYE

paddyandstumpy

Check what your contract says. Ours has a specific admin fee to be deducted from any ‘overpayment refund’.

AdrianC

If it was a standing order, then the money wasn't "taken", you gave it.

Return should be straightforward, though.

fearLess

The deposit was returned within a couple of days, thank god.