UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi,

Long story short- My friend and I placed a holding deposit for a 2 bed, he paid his half of admin fees (£78) and reference fee of £54. I didn't pay them as I was waiting for some money to come in. Circumstances changed in a matter of days and we had to pull out, however, we had not filled out a single form, no paperwork was really carried out and NO credit checks were done. Yet she says (estate agent woman) that those fees cannot be given back. Why exactly? is "admin" considered sending out a couple of emails? and how can she justify keeping the reference fee when no credit check was done, therefore no money spent?
I want to know like legally where I stand so I can make a decent argument.

All help and advice appreciated!