UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi, my property is rented out through an estate agent.  I live abroad and when I returned I was presented with a maintenance bill of £3000 when I disputed the bills in question they immediately dropped the bill to £2000 firstly, I a little confused by the sudden discount but because I disputed the bill altogether the estate agent has not paid me any of the rent since the new tenants moved in which was 1st June 13 are they allowed to do that? I have now asked the tenants to pay me directly.  Please please advise.