agent doesn't collect rent

[cswordy]

I Started letting my flat using a remax agent and he has never collected rent since January. My tenant has contacted me directly to let me know she has been unable to contact him. When I phone i am told the phones are not working and he is not in. He does not answer his mobile. Is he in breech of contract?
How do I get money to pay the mortgage?
Can I get rid of him as an agent since he does nothing although he did get the tenant?
He has not arranged the council tax with my tennant who is worring she will lose her rebate. I think I can help her with that, although the agent said he would.

[P.Pilcher]

Did your agent provide written terms of agreement for you to approve and sign? If he did then he has almost certainly broken them by failing to collect your rent. If he didn't then he isn't a very professional agent. In either case you have no reason to continue to use his services at all. I should immediately write to your tenant requesting her to remit to you all rent directly and ignore the agent completely. With regard to council tax, it is probably best for both of you to discuss the situation with the L.A. as some owing instalments may not have been paid. Finally write to the agent concerned at his business address and advise him that you are relieving him of his duties forthwith and then either manage the property yourself, or find another agent - preferably a member of one of the professional bodies (ARLA, NEA and so on).

P.P.

[cswordy]

I got in touch with arla as I was under the impression that this guy was a member which is why I used him as an agent as I thought I had to have an arla agent when arranging the mortgage. ARLA tell me he is not a member.
I do not have a copy of the agreement I signed (which even I find hard to believe).
Tommorrow I will put everything in writing pointing out the breech of contract and intention to terminate the contract.