Advice needed about letting agency please

Smi1er

I'm a landlord, but I play fair.

Firstly, let me get this right. You have paid

5 weeks deposit
Months advance rent
2 Months rent

And you've been in the property 2 months.

Assuming the above is correct here is my advice.

Write a calm letter to the letting agent stating the facts. The next day don't post it. Instead read it again. Does it sound calm and sticking to the facts? If so then hand deliver it or post it recorded post. Ideally you should send a copy, with a covering letter, to the owner of the property.

Now if your letter to the agent gets you your money back, then all is well.

Have you agreed with the Benefits office that rent is paid directly to the agent? If so then tell them you want it paid to you instead. The agent can't do anything about this.

If the agent doesn't play ball the solution is simple.

They owe you 2 months rent + 1 months upfront rent + 5 weeks deposit. When it comes time to leave you simply don't pay the last 3 months + 5 weeks rent.

Will they evict you? Well yes. They will start the process.

Fact: They can't even apply to the courts until you are two months in arrears. They will then have to wait for a court hearing, then a court order.

If you stay more than 3 months and 5 weeks then play fair and pay any rent above this time. Towards the end of all this write a letter to the owner of the property explaing what you have done, and why.

Oh, and you're right, in my experience all letting agents are idiots!!