Refunding management fees from agents
Discussion
Apologies the the lengthy post, but...
Our tenants are due to move out next week, and the current agents, (a well-known 'rebel without a cause' company) appointed to find tenants and collect rent only have been pretty much useless throughout the year.
We instructed them to find new tenants and over the past couple of months and they have failed to even arrange viewings. We instructed another local agency, and within two days we have had viweings and tenants, deposit paid and lined up to move in.
The current agency have not been appointed on a sole agency basis, and instead of paying the last months rent, have charged us further years fee (~£900) despite not finding any tenants. I have queried this, and have been told that we will not be refunded, but our account will be credited for future lettings.
On experiencing their "service", there isn't the slightest chance that we'll use them again, and nothing short of a full refund will suffice. They've basically taken this money (without notice) for no services rendered.
Has this happened to anyone else? If so, what is the best course of action to get the money back?
Would a quick word with the Ombudsman have the required effect?
Our tenants are due to move out next week, and the current agents, (a well-known 'rebel without a cause' company) appointed to find tenants and collect rent only have been pretty much useless throughout the year.
We instructed them to find new tenants and over the past couple of months and they have failed to even arrange viewings. We instructed another local agency, and within two days we have had viweings and tenants, deposit paid and lined up to move in.
The current agency have not been appointed on a sole agency basis, and instead of paying the last months rent, have charged us further years fee (~£900) despite not finding any tenants. I have queried this, and have been told that we will not be refunded, but our account will be credited for future lettings.
On experiencing their "service", there isn't the slightest chance that we'll use them again, and nothing short of a full refund will suffice. They've basically taken this money (without notice) for no services rendered.
Has this happened to anyone else? If so, what is the best course of action to get the money back?
Would a quick word with the Ombudsman have the required effect?
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