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Dispute with Management Agent

Started by Munron, April 08, 2019, 10:00:35 PM

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Munron

Hi, would really appreciate guidance on the following.  Currently work abroad, and decided to rent out my house whilst away.  Gave the house to a local management company believing the house would be looked after.  House rented out, but had one year of problematic late payments and agent not handing over monies timely.  Tenant moved out in June 2018. I informed agent that I would be moving management company.  They told me I had to give them 3 months written notice to terminate the agreement as per contract. In the meantime, the agent rented out the house again, but this time without informing me and having my approval.  A family member who lives in the area saw people moving stuff into the house and contacted me... turns out he was right.  Contacted agent to ask what the hell they were playing at and was told that rent was coming in.  So I waited out the 3 month period, and attempted to move agents.  New agent tried to liaise with old agent to recover tenancy etc... and tried to make contact with the tenant. Old agent was not compliant or helpful.  New agent called me to let me know she was suspicious about the house and suspected foul play.  Followed eviction process, and upon gaining access to the property today... my house has been used as a Cannabis farm.  I won't begin to detail the extent of the damage to my house, but its going to run into thousands to fix  Police informed, locks changed.  Any ideas on next steps?  I'm so angry that the first agent did not carry out any checks and has ignored attempts to contact him  He also just transferred the deposit to my account today months later... what's my recourse here?  Thanks :-[

heavykarma

I think this is one to take to an experienced solicitor.On the face of it you could sue the agents.Have the police spoken to LA,is there any possibility they were complicit in what was going on? I would not get your hopes raised though.What a horrible experience. 

Munron

Hey, thanks for the response.  Yes, all the signs indicate that the Agent was complicit.  I didn't put this in the original thread... but I wrote to the old agent last Thursday letting him know I was going to the police with my suspicions.  and when we had the locks changed on Monday, there was a guy waiting on the stairs in the house, he claimed to be a painter and decorator, and asked if we still wanted the job to go ahead.  When asked for his details he walked off aggressively down the road.  I'm sure the agent has been passing on information to these people.  Anyhow, got a crime number now, and will let the Police do their thing.  Suppose I was just looking for support from any one who has experienced anything similar, or any advice on successfully suing a management company.

heavykarma

I tried to get redress from an agent when they landed me with criminals.It was quite different though,no damage was done,just lost rent and personal threats made to me.I got nowhere,as they claimed they made all the necessary checks.Your agent will hopefully face criminal charges,but don't hold your breath.Can you claim on insurance for the damage?