problem with letting agency
Discussion
I have a flat which i let out via a letting agency. The flat is in Glasgow, i Live in Marlow, approx 400 miles, hence my using an agency.
I have had reasonably frequent bills for works carried out, which up unitl this point i have paid.
today i found myself in Glasgow, so thought id have a look at the property from the outside, just as a passing check.
the tenant spotted me, was very friendly and invited me in for a coffee.
after a chat it soon became apparent that the agency have been charging me for work not carried out (e.g. £250 to replace the electric shower. Today i found the original shower still there, no problems )
so.... how best to play this? any advice?
clearly, i should be looking for another agent, but how do i transfer with an existing tenant? what happens to their deposit? should i talk to a lawyer?
im going to visit the agency tomorrow morning....
I have had reasonably frequent bills for works carried out, which up unitl this point i have paid.
today i found myself in Glasgow, so thought id have a look at the property from the outside, just as a passing check.
the tenant spotted me, was very friendly and invited me in for a coffee.
after a chat it soon became apparent that the agency have been charging me for work not carried out (e.g. £250 to replace the electric shower. Today i found the original shower still there, no problems )
so.... how best to play this? any advice?
clearly, i should be looking for another agent, but how do i transfer with an existing tenant? what happens to their deposit? should i talk to a lawyer?
im going to visit the agency tomorrow morning....
Whoever you choose to be your letting agent make them think that you've got a few people to check on your flat in an emergency. Until recently I let my btl to the council. Too many letting agents are a nightmare to deal with. Hitting targets is often more important that treating their clients with the respect they deserve....and pay for.
Best of luck. I would report your current LA to whoever the governing body is that ensures they don't do this sort of thing....and perhaps report them to the local paper in Glasgow. Bad press will make you feel better..
Best of luck. I would report your current LA to whoever the governing body is that ensures they don't do this sort of thing....and perhaps report them to the local paper in Glasgow. Bad press will make you feel better..
M400 NBL said:
Best of luck. I would report your current LA to whoever the governing body is that ensures they don't do this sort of thing....
http://www.arla.co.uk/Arla are the people you want, but you best check your agent is a member, not all are. Oh and have a chat with NAEA as well.
i would check all the work the have supposedly carried out, and ask for invoices etc. i would also take pictures, ask the tenant if they knew of anything having been done.
when you have proof you have been ripped off, ask for a full refund.
make sure everything is in writing and recorded delivery too.
definatly change agents too, and report it to the governing bodies for letting agents, trading standards, police and press
when you have proof you have been ripped off, ask for a full refund.
make sure everything is in writing and recorded delivery too.
definatly change agents too, and report it to the governing bodies for letting agents, trading standards, police and press
thanks for all the feedback.. much appreciated
the tenant has sent me photos of the flat when they moved in- filthy, furniture in pieces, rubbish on floor etc
it looks like the agency have done nothing, except send me invoices, so Im going to step in myself short term, with a view to getting a better agency longer term
my agency agreement says i have to give a months notice, which i intend to do next week
couple of questions-
what happens with the tenant? do i sign a new agreement direct?
the agency currently holds the deposit. Do they just send it back to the tenant, indpenednt of me, and then i get it direct from tenant?
any advice appreciated....
the tenant has sent me photos of the flat when they moved in- filthy, furniture in pieces, rubbish on floor etc
it looks like the agency have done nothing, except send me invoices, so Im going to step in myself short term, with a view to getting a better agency longer term
my agency agreement says i have to give a months notice, which i intend to do next week
couple of questions-
what happens with the tenant? do i sign a new agreement direct?
the agency currently holds the deposit. Do they just send it back to the tenant, indpenednt of me, and then i get it direct from tenant?
any advice appreciated....
Get some legal advice, from a Scottish law firm - they have different laws north of the border.
I'd personally be looking to get all the fees refunded, plus any repairs that cannot be backed up with evidence.
Give them the chance to do this out of court but failing that, take em to the cleaners.
Sounds like the tenant is a good sort, so make sure you keep him sweet throughout.
I wouldn't cut them loose until they'd either refunded or I instigated proceedings, unless the legal beagles recommended it of course.
Simon
I'd personally be looking to get all the fees refunded, plus any repairs that cannot be backed up with evidence.
Give them the chance to do this out of court but failing that, take em to the cleaners.
Sounds like the tenant is a good sort, so make sure you keep him sweet throughout.
I wouldn't cut them loose until they'd either refunded or I instigated proceedings, unless the legal beagles recommended it of course.
Simon
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