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Dissolved Letting agent kept trading

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Hello All,

Wondering if anyone can help me, with this slightly long post…

I had been renting my property via a letting agent for the last 6/7 years, but declared I wanted to move in 2 years ago to avoid the launch of a Land Lord Register in Croydon borough.
After an initial to/fro (rent still being paid by tenants), I was told that they would not move out as they were waiting on being housed in council accommodation. The Agent started a Possession notice but was then told it was not valid as I was not on the (now launched, and running) Land Lord Register.

9 months ago I provided the Agent the money for this application, which he claimed he had started, and then waited.
2 months ago, the tenants allegedly did not pay rent.
This month the tenants allegedly did not pay rent again, and the Agent said they have spoken to him and agreed to vacate immediately if I waive the outstanding money. At the time – and after the delays – I agreed as long as the exit was properly managed by the Agent.

Anyway, the Agent said they had vacated, but only dropped the keys through his door. He then me the keys in the post (to check no damage) saying he had now closed the property account and with it, his company.

When I asked for all the certificates/ documentation for Safety, Energy efficiency and the Land Lord Registry he has not responded.
I have then looked into the Land Lord Registry and it seems an application was never made.
It also found the company the contract was with (A Ltd company where he was sole director) was dissolved in 2014. This was never informed to me.

All correspondence has been via email, so I have his written word things were ‘done/ not’ on all the above matters.

I have now challenged him with what I have found and asked him to refund me the money, or provide proof that what he has said is true re the Land Lord Register application, and the unpaid rent.


What I want to know is, if he denies or does not respond:
  • Can I take him to the small claims court for the unpaid Land Lord register fee?
  • Can I take him to the small claims court for the alleged unpaid rent
  • Can I claim compensation for the 2 years of limbo living, and excess rent I have paid, while he has not resolved the issue (and been dissolved).
  • Who should I contact about the behaviour (he now has a new company, I believe) as surely the continued trading was illegal/ fraud/ theft?

Many thanks in advance,
This discussion has been closed.
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