Complaint

Following the property being let for a year, Miss H (the Landlord) was surprised to receive a demand for a further annual renewal fee when her tenants stayed on as periodic tenants. The Agent ignored her subsequent query and, seven months later, with no further contact, issued a final demand. Following further correspondence being issued to the Agent, Miss H raised a formal complaint.

Complaint

After a 10 year relationship with the Agent, Mr and Ms G (the Landlords) decided to move the management of their two properties to another agent. Mr and Ms G provided the Agent with two months’ written notice of their intention, to which the Agent responded by advising them that they would be liable to pay ongoing renewal fees of 10% of the annual rent on the anniversary of each tenancy whilst the same tenants remained in the properties. The Agent also withheld one month’s rent from Mr and Ms G in lieu the unpaid fees.

Complaint

Miss F (the Prospective Tenant) complained that, after informing the Agent that she was pregnant, they had provided a poor level of customer service by breaching the terms of the holding deposit and discriminating against her by refusing to refund the holding deposit. The Agent argued that the change in Miss F’s circumstances, divulged to them after her offer had been accepted, had inconvenienced them and the landlord, adding that Miss F’s future reduced
income and potential claim for maternity/housing benefit had left the landlord no option but to withdraw from the tenancy.