Laqndlords agents are claiming I owe them £693!!

RabbitMad

The problem you have is that the LL is responsible for returning your deposit to you, not the LA. The LL has passed the deposit to the LA who are refusing to give it back. You need to get the LL to sort this out as they are the ones who owe you this money.

jimc_2

I agree with Clutton and Generali about getting FORMAL WRITTEN release from the LL from any contract or committments you had with her and releasing you from any deposit obligations. It sounds as if you do not have a direct contract with the agent and therefore are under no obligation to pay them anything. Their agreement is with the LL.

If you are positive that it is the agent witholding the money and not the LL using them as an excuse (It could be that she just doesn't want to say it to you directly.) you can consider scaring the agents into returning the money.

Instead of breaking windows - although we all feel that way about agents sometime - the best course of action is to to complain to the local Trading Standards Officer claiming unacceptable behaviour. The TSO has the power to shut them down if your case is valid. Check to see if the agents are members of the Estate Agents Ombudsman scheme (they should be) and write to the agent (Give them it by hand for speed) saying that you have registered a complaint with the local TSO and will also complain about their behaviour to the Ombudsman.

That should shake them up and will not cost you a penny to threaten.