Letting agency rent out-without our permission

Sam4u_2

Hi
Our house is for sale, but because the last buyer pulled out and we are already moved out, we ask a letting agency to rent it out for short term. But then we chanced our mind and ask them not to let the house. But they told us, that they found someone and the couple will stay only 3 month, what was fine by us. They just moved in and told us they will stay for 6 month - agreement with the Agency,but we never sign an agreement with the letting agency . We never would agree for a period of 6 month.
Is there anything we can do now?
Sam

BrixMorta

So you have no T&C's with the agent and I assume also they must have signed the AST on your behalf. Are they members of any association

Sam4u_2

.....any idea ?
Sam

Sam4u_2

Hi BrixMorta
they are a well knowed agency locally, but with a bad repution for not always being truthful, but as I said, they never sent us the paperwork. They wont give us the copy of the Tenancy agreement as they say, as they are managing our property. So we dont know no really how long the contract is.
sam

silvercar

You can't evict anyone under an AST in less than 6 months.

So you need to show that the AST is not valid. This should be quite easy if you have not signed the AST. Inform the tenants that you haven't signed the AST and tell them to leave. I would suggest refusing to accept any rent (if they offer) as this could be used to say you accept the AST. The letting agent will have to deal with any fallout from installing tenants before getting the landlord to sign the AST.

Sam4u_2

So is it right that we dont get a copy of the Tenancy agreement , because the Letting agent is managing our property?

silvercar

No its not!

You could have a need to show the tenancy agreement to your mortgage provider.

rosysparkle

You should get a copy of the AST if you ask the agent for it, but they don't generally send you a copy unless you ask for it if they are managing the property.

Sam4u_2

They refuse to give us a copy.

Guy_Montag

This is awful for both you & the tenants.

I would post your question here, they may be able to help a bit more.

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/

lynzpower

Some letting agents have a clause in thier contract which means that they can sign the AST on behalf of the LL in thier absense if they are managig the property on thier behalf. Where i used to work certainly used to do this. ( for speed) However, you have to have signed a document that says you agree for them to sigh the AST on your behalf.

Id name & shame these shysters!!