UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi All,

I have had my property with an estate agents since 2007.  I decided to move to a different estate agents last year, as this was my right as a landlord to change the management when the service was not up to scratch, or so I thought.
As per the estate agents agreement, I gave them 14 days notice in writing and appointed another estate agents.  However, the old estate agents are demanding money, although not stated anywhere in their agreement with me and will not release the tenant's deposit to the appointed agent.  I have received no support from CAB, The Property Ombudsman or Trading standards. I feel I have lost control of my property to an estate agent who is essentially holding the property hostage!

Any advice on who to complain to about the estate agent and what to do regarding the deposit would be greatly appreciated?!

Thanks

Talk to the deposit protection agency.
Is not clear cut but they might help (in some circumstances) however be prepared for a major headache.

The only way might be to get the tenant on your side and get the tenant to to request the deposit back.
That way the agency is obliged to make the Landlord pay the deposit to the tenant.
Problem is then no obligation on the tenant to give it to you.

You've learnt a lesson
Never get the agent to take the rent or protect the deposit

You have an issue with an Agent holding onto a deposit.

Yet you are trying, hard, to get that deposit transferred to another Agent!?!?

Have you learned nothing?

Your attempts should be focused on transferring the deposit to yourself.

That is the only way to protect yourself.

Thankfully, this is an existing, long-term tenancy so the deposit remains protected as it should be.

If you are sure of your facts, I'd probably be writing a Letter Before Action to the previous Agent.