LA gone silent - tenants owe rent

[Pink Geko]

Hello all

Please can someone advise me or point me in the right direction.

Had an AST 12 months from 6th July 2009. Tenants last rent received was January 2010, LA (finally) served section 21, tenants moved out (June 3rd) before bailiffs were due on 7th , now owed 4months rent, not sure what has even happen to their deposit, as unfortunately LA are ignoring my calls, emails, and when I call into the office the guy (junior) knows nothing about the case as his colleagues where dealing with it, they are always out, on holidays or off sick. I moved back into the property 5th June, thankfully no damage had been done , the LA said (back in June) that they would compensate me for the shoddy service received but of course this had not happened.

As agents letterhead has no registered number have tried to check with leading bodies to see if they are listed but no luck.

I wanted to try to reclaim outstanding rent (via small claims court/agent to chase tenants) but am having difficulties with getting the file off the agent and not sure how to proceed.

What can I do?

Regards
Anita

[Paul_f]

Contact the DPS at http://www.depositprotection.com/ and ask if the deposit is registered with them. If not then the agent and landlord can be taken to court and fined 3x the deposit. If it is there will be a certificate number which it appears you might not have been given. There are two other schemes but this one is the most likely where the deposit might be held. There are details about the schemes on this site or just Google it.

[mind the gap]

Paul, OP seems to be the LL, not the tenant.

I agree that deposit protection may be an issue but it probably isn't his first priority?

[Pink Geko]

Paul_F and mind the gap

Thank you both for replying, but as you mind the gap said I am the LL and the deposit issue I will look into but my main problem is with the agent's lack of communication and not knowing what I should do next.

[mind the gap]

So you have no contact details at all for the tenants which would help you find out how much rent (if any) they actually paid? Did you not get copies of the court documents relating to the s8 hearing?

[Springfields]

If they wont return your calls then I would suggest you go into office and stay put until a member of staff who can help you returns. In terms of the file I assume that the office Junior is capable of using a photocopier and finding paperwork (you'd hope anyway).

[mind the gap]

If they wont return your calls then I would suggest you go into office and stay put until a member of staff who can help you returns. In terms of the file I assume that the office Junior is capable of using a photocopier and finding paperwork (you'd hope anyway).

You would be depressed by the number of different tasks which office juniors in some letting agents are either unable or unwilling to do, I'm afraid, but it's worth a try.

They are however well-trained in explaining that the person you need is in a meeting all morning then out 'on site' until 5 pm and that their mobile will be switched off during both activities. :rolleyes:

[Springfields]

You would be depressed by the number of different tasks which office juniors in some letting agents are either unable or unwilling to do, I'm afraid, but it's worth a try.

They are however well-trained in explaining that the person you need is in a meeting all morning then out 'on site' until 5 pm and that their mobile will be switched off during both activities. :rolleyes:

Most can make a pretty decent cup of coffee - those who are unable/unwilling in this regard to do not stay in employment long.

Seriously though the " I suggest you attempt to contact them and I'll wait" approach is pretty useful as they are not usually scripted to deal with the ackwardness of having an unhappy client staying put, whilst dealing with the importance of single handedly running the office (reporting supervising staff unavailable, filling staplers, removing coffee rings from desks etc).

[mind the gap]

Most can make a pretty decent cup of coffee - those who are unable/unwilling in this regard to do not stay in employment long.

Seriously though the " I suggest you attempt to contact them and I'll wait" approach is pretty useful as they are not usually scripted to deal with the ackwardness of having an unhappy client staying put, whilst dealing with the importance of single handedly running the office (reporting supervising staff unavailable, filling staplers, removing coffee rings from desks etc).

Yes. Take a novel, a folding chair and a packed lunch, though:rolleyes:

[Springfields]

Yes. Take a novel, a folding chair and a packed lunch, though:rolleyes:

'Take a break' bumper edition and ask the questions out loud.

Something a landlord might receive, 4 letters, first letter 'R'? Can you help me with that?

[jeffrey]

No, but thinking about it is ENTertaining.

[mind the gap]

'Take a break' bumper edition and ask the questions out loud.

Something a landlord might receive, 4 letters, first letter 'R'? Can you help me with that?

Ha! The irony would be wasted on them, I fear.

[thesaint]

If they wont return your calls then I would suggest you go into office and stay put until a member of staff who can help you returns. In terms of the file I assume that the office Junior is capable of using a photocopier and finding paperwork (you'd hope anyway).

I second this action.

I previously advised someone to take a flask, and something to urinate into just in case they don't have a toilet you can use.
Repeat daily until they give you the information that they require.

[mind the gap]

I
I previously advised someone to take a flask, and something to urinate into

Nice. :eek:

As long as they don't forget which is which.

[Springfields]

I second this action.

I previously advised someone to take a flask, and something to urinate into just in case they don't have a toilet you can use.
Repeat daily until they give you the information that they require.

Adding further urgency when you turn to ask for toilet paper :)