Letting agent is only a franchisee

[Susanne Gibbons]

I am a landlord who rented out my property through a franchised branch of one of the largest UK Lettings Agencies.
The branch has ceased trading and I have been unable to trace the franchisee and the deposit they held for the property.
The main Letting Agent Company has been most unhelpful and says they have no legal responsibility for their franchisees. I am hoping someone can offer me some advice on what to do next.
Many thanks.

[Bel]

They may be reticent not to give you a name and address for data protection reasons. You could ask them if this is the case and then possibly counter their argument with the argument used in the following thread.

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=2049

If the franchisee was a ltd company then the name and address of the directors should be held by companies house; you can do a search online.

I'm not sure what their legal duties to you are, but I certainly wouldnt give up without a fight. It would hurt them to just give you a name and an address. They are your best chance for some clues ! Shame on them! Threaten you will report them to the financial ombudsman or whatever.

You could also approach the landlord of the premesis who might cooperate with you. You can search the land registry for who owns the building.

[Poppy35]

Bel has given you some good advice however the tenancy agreement is between you and the tenant and therefore regardless of who holds the deposit you are liable to return this to the tenant when they leave, however you should still persue the LA to obtain the monies you are owed.

Hopefully they dont owe you any rent - also ensure that the tenant is paying you direct for the rent and its not still going to the LA.

good luck.