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I need help.What are my options?

Sorry I am not sure if this is in the right place I am new to all this but here is my situation

This summer I went to Uni and took accomodation with a local agent who worked with the uni however due to personal problems I left.Last Friday I received a call to say I had to pay for the full year(4000) because nobody had and nobody would move in. I have been charged up until January however today I found out before that call someone else had moved in so I have been charged and so has this person and they were lying to me when they said nobody would move in and she was trying to con me out of the January and March payments too.On the contract it says I can be released and not charged if someone else moves in. They lied to me to get more money and now have money that is mine(to the sum of about £700).I am wondering what I can do and if I have a case to get it back and also if it is too far to go to the papers.This whole saga caused so much upset and stress to myself.

Here is what my contract says

.If, after the Final Cancellation Date, you would like to be released from your Tenancy Agreement but you have not found a replacement tenant to take over your Tenancy Agreement prior to your tenancy Start Date, then, subject to paragraph 5 below, your Security Deposit will be retained (in accordance with and subject to the Tenancy terms and Conditions) and you will remain liable forthe full contractual rent, instalment charge (if relevant) and the capped utilities fee (if applicable).If a replacement tenant is found by you or UNITE* part way through your tenancy, UNITE will release you from your TenancyAgreement, from the date the new Tenancy Agreement takes effect, upon payment of a £50.00 administration charge. Your SecurityDeposit will then be refunded (subject to the Tenancy Terms and Conditions.) No refund will be made of the capped utilities fee (ifapplicable).*Please note that UNITE will only find a replacement tenant for you once full occupancy has been achieved for the Building.


All help appreciated
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Comments

  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,078 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Do you know the date the person moved in?

    You can easliy make a small claim for any money that you have paid after that date, including the full refund of your deposit. If you can get them to voudh for that, all the better.

    Also when did you sign the agreement? Has your deposit been registered with the tenancy deposit sheme? You should have received notice of how it was being kept. It might be included in your tenancy agreement. If they haven't registered it, I believe they owe you some money ;)
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • They moved in on the 30th November. I was not told where the deposit was being kept either and I don't think it was in the contract. I am about to contact my flatmates I used to live with to ask them to back me up that someone moved in.

    Thanks for the advice
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,078 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Did you have a separate agreement? ie. for your room, not with the others a as a collective?

    I'm really not that knowledgable on rentals but there are loads who are so keep watching in the morning, okay?

    I am sure though that you are absolutely owed money, just need someone that can put it in more legal terms than I can :)
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • I had a seperate agreement to them.

    Thanks for your help and I shall keep an eye out
  • Tried contacting yet again I was ignored and I am even madder now than I was this morning and don't know what to do now.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,078 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    In the absence of any other replies then I think you need to go to www.moneyclaim.gov.uk and fill out a claim form. You don't need to submit it, just save it and print it off. Stick to the point - you moved out, knew you would have to pay until a new tenant moved in. This happened on 30th November and no refund, indeed no contact has been forthcoming.

    Then write to the agent, informing them that you know a replacement tenant moved in on 30th November and you are therefore requesting full and immediate settlement of the difference in the money you have paid and the money you actually owe. If this is not forthcoming within 7 days, you will be formally submitting court paperwork, of which you enclose a copy. They will then be liable for your court costs as well as the sum of whatever it is they owe you.

    They're expecting to to roll over and accept it. Show them you won't :)
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • Thanks.You have been most helpful
  • Biggie
    Biggie Posts: 370 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Doozer Girl - I have been watching these forums for quite a while, and I must say it's a nice relieve to see someone helping other people with good and geniuine advice. Better then the bitter arguments about HPI\HPC. I'm buying\selling but tend not to post on the forums as all I get is

    drop now 10% each week rather then chasing the market down :confused:
    or drop your offer by 25% because soon you will be in neg equity.

    Even tough these jokers have no idea of my position or the area where i'm purchasing. I recall one of your posts that said it depends on area media\offical figures is just an average I think you was spot on.:rolleyes:


    JUST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. YOU HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFULL INCLUDING SOME OF MY POSTS :beer:
  • Frugaldom
    Frugaldom Posts: 7,137 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Thanks to Doozergirl for the excellent link to the Government claims site. I am having similar problems getting money from someone in connection with a house deposit. It isn't a fortune, but it is mine and I refuse to just walk away and lose it. Thanks for that little bit of info/web link :)
    I reserve the right not to spend.
    The less I spend, the more I can afford.


    Frugal living challenge - living on little in 2025 while frugalling towards retirement.
  • Hmm come up with a problem.Not sure what to put for solicitors costs

    EDIT:Apologies I don't
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