Ripped off by "pay up front" agencys

richardki · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 4

I went to a letting agency in shepherds bush, explained to them that I needed a room for a Mother and young baby and asked them if they could help. They assured me that they could but it would be £100 because it was for TWO people. One month later, they have not shown me a single property that was within budget and accepted a child. Anyone else been ripped off by them? Anyone manage to get any money back?

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 5644

Contact your local Citizen's advice centre to find out if and how you can recover this money.

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice#txt_getadvice_header-Anchor-search

According to adviced from Shelter

"You shouldn't have to pay any fees until the agency has found a place for you. It is a criminal offence for an agency to charge you just to register or for supplying addresses and details of accommodation. Don't pay any fees until you've been offered a place. There may be other agencies that can help. If you believe an agency is acting illegally tell your local council's tenancy relations officer or legal department."

http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-244.cfm

richardki · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks for the advice Bluey, Perhaps the Gumtree should stop these cowboys operating when they receive a certain number of complaints about an agency in a period of time? Stop others getting ripped off.

NickiUK · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 17

Hello,
I have been ripped off by the same kind of company. I advise anyone looking for a studio or flatshare to NEVER seek help from these agencies who ask you to pay upfront, no matter how desperate you are. They might attract you by posting apparently cheap and nice offers online, but then they will rob your money for nothing.
Richardki, do not hesitate to seek legal advice, this is really unfair and they shouldn't be allowed to take advantage of people like they do.
I hope you've found a place - Good luck!

simmik · Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 5

hi there,

i feel for you.

people should not be allowed to get away with doing that.

but guys you should NEVER EVER have to give money upfront. only once they have found accomadation for you, and you are about to sign a contract, (which YOU SHOULD always read). and then its just deposit you pay. On the day you get the keys for the property you pay the full amount. i own a lettings company, and it makes me angry when i read of cases like this.

its unfair, and should not be allowed to happen, i have had many people come to me after they have been ripped of by other companies, but thankfully i have managed to get there money back for them.

but most people are unlucky.

please remember you should never have to pay money upfront if they are asking for money there is something wrong