Letting Agents are withholding rent

[appleye]

We had a problem with our carpet fitters who were threatening to remove the carpets from our rented properties. We have spoken to them and sorted this out
As the tenants and the letting agents have also received these letters, the letting agents have decided to withhold the rent, until we can provide proof that the amount we owe the carpet fitters have been paid
Can they do this?
We have sent the letting agents a letter to say we have spoken to the fitters but we didn't want to go into it any further

[jeffrey]

We had a problem with our carpet fitters who were threatening to remove the carpets from our rented properties. We have spoken to them and sorted this out
As the tenants and the letting agents have also received these letters, the letting agents have decided to withhold the rent, until we can provide proof that the amount we owe the carpet fitters have been paid
Can they do this?
We have sent the letting agents a letter to say we have spoken to the fitters but we didn't want to go into it any further
They are your agents. Tell them what to do! The rent is yours, not theirs.
Also see my post #7 on http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=15286.