UK Landlord Forum / Life

My agent has been withholding months of rent and dissolved without any communication whatsoever. He's running other businesses, including another lettings and estate agency.

Any advice on how I can get my money back?

can you tell us if the letting agency was limited company? Is the new letting agency similar name? How much do they owe roughly not giving to much info? If you answer the above I can then give you the best advice thanks

It was a limited company, and the other businesses are somewhat similar in name. I'm not going to name the others here online.
It's more than £10,000.

Hi thank you for your reply, i don't want you to name online and I have to abide by the site rules no advertising.
Was you notified that the company was closing ? Was you contacted by the official receiver as you would be a creditor to the letting agent if not then you can get the money your owed.

Hi, thank you for your response.

No I wasn't notified of anything. I had gone to the office to see a new name above
the door but the agent said he's still in charge and that it's just a name change.

An agent around my way was sent to prison for defrauding landlords in this manner. I would suggest you contact the police and trading standards as I doubt it's just you he isn't paying....

I have seen and dealt with many cases were landlords have come foul to letting agents.. did you get any paperwork stating name change and business as usually... you haven't said if he still managing your property?

Quote from: David M on July 14, 2017, 12:36:42 PM
An agent around my way was sent to prison for defrauding landlords in this manner. I would suggest you contact the police and trading standards as I doubt it's just you he isn't paying....

Thanks for that, I'll give it a try.

Quote from: Housingenforcers on July 14, 2017, 01:16:15 PM
I have seen and dealt with many cases were landlords have come foul to letting agents.. did you get any paperwork stating name change and business as usually... you haven't said if he still managing your property?

No there was no paperwork to stating anything of the sort. They're not managing the property anymore. The company dissolved and has been taken over by a relative with a different company. The new agent has been trying to get rent from my tenants, but we've agreed for direct payments from now.

Hi I would report this to the police however sadly the police tend to say it's s civil matter, but if there has been more then one landlord it becomes criminal fraud theft,  if you email the old and new company name I will do a free search and checks on them for you so you then can pursue the matter this can also be given to the police a well thanks

Quote from: Housingenforcers on July 14, 2017, 02:23:16 PM
Hi I would report this to the police however sadly the police tend to say it's s civil matter, but if there has been more then one landlord it becomes criminal fraud theft,  if you email the old and new company name I will do a free search and checks on them for you so you then can pursue the matter this can also be given to the police a well thanks

I'm sure there are plenty others.
How will you do the search and check? 

I do it as part of my work and it won't cost you a penny as your a fellow member on here. The offer there as you need to gain as much information

I have done the searches as discussed it shows that the company is dissolved by companies house for failing to comply.. when did you get told about this action from the estate agent date wise?

Quote from: Housingenforcers on July 15, 2017, 01:07:23 PM
I have done the searches as discussed it shows that the company is dissolved by companies house for failing to comply.. when did you get told about this action from the estate agent date wise?

Failing to comply? What does that mean? And when?
We were only told by the agent who took over, and that too last month.

Thank you for having a look and letting me know.

Please pm me and I'll send you the details over as this seems to be fraud please put an email for reply