“I viewed a property, and after discussions with the letting ......”
1 Star Review
Jan 23,2014
By:
'sirene'
Jan 23,2014
Branch: Edinburgh, 21-23 Church Hill Place
Services: Lettings (Prospective customer)
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode: EH3
Branch: Edinburgh, 21-23 Church Hill Place
Lettings (Prospective customer)
Postcode: EH3
0
people found
this helpful
I viewed a property, and after discussions with the letting agents and landlord, a verbal contract had been agreed that a new kitchen was to be put in to the property and that the property was to be painted. On this understanding I secured the property with the holding deposit and completed the tenancy application, with a move-in date to be discussed.
I was then informed that despite the verbal agreement, the kitchen would not be replaced. This was, of course, contrary to previous discussions and was disappointing. I stated in an email that I no longer wished to continue with the property and that I would be grateful if the holding deposit be returned to me that day. On reflection, I later emailed Rachel to reverse my decision and to ask that I continue with the let. I did telephone twice this morning and stated that I wished to discuss Comely Bank Road. I was told that Rachel didn't start until 10am and so I should call back then. At no point did a member of staff suggest that they could might be able to assist, and, as such, I assumed that the letting negotiations were done purely through Rachel.
I then received an email from Rachel stating that another prospective tenant had secured the property that morning. At NO point had any other staff member said that they could assist with my query, and as such I had assumed that all letting negotiations were to go through her. I was not offered the change to speak to another negotiator and so had no chance to secure the flat despite having called at 8.30am and again at 9.00am.
I am now in a position where the holding deposit has still not reached my bank, and, a verbal contract has been broken. As money exchanged hands and an application was processed under the verbal agreement and understanding that certain repairs were to be carried out, I was advised by Citizens Advice Scotland that this did indeed form the basis of a verbal contract.
I am now left in a position where I do not have somewhere to live, and have not received back my holding deposit. At no point did I receive written confirmation as regards the terms of placing a holding deposit, nor have I received written confirmation that the holding deposit has in fact been refunded. I have now had to escalate matters to my solicitor in order to get my deposit back.
Working in real estate myself, I am disgusted at the service offered to potential customers. Their website states that they are available out of work hours and this is not the case. Staff were not helpful and, had someone said that they may be able to help and had they advised that lettings were not dealt with solely by the negotiator, perhaps I would not be in the position I am now in.
In summary: false information was provided, verbal contract was broken, deposit has not been returned.
What agent could do to change your mind?
Keeping to verbal contracts, and providing accurate information would be a start. Had the staff been helpful enough to ask if they would be able to assist, perhaps I would not have found myself losing out to a property that I had already secured.
The deposit has not been returned and this has now been three days.
Attached Filesnbsp;
0
people found
this helpful
Was this helpful?
Yes
Thank you for your feedback, I am disappointed about the situation, which I am very aware of. It is frustrating I agree, however I would encourage you to contact me so that we can explain how we could not have done anything more, to prevent this happening, or to rectify the situation to your satisfaction.
We returned the money to you same day, bank transfers do take 2 business days and so I would expect this to be in your account very soon.
I would be grateful if you could email me on [email protected] so that we can discuss the matter further.
Kind regards,
Mark.