Getting rent back from landlord - please help

wellybelly · 27th March 2007, 13:28

Hi Everyone,

I'm posting on behalf of my mum who is in desperate need of some advice.

She took out a tennancy agreement with a local agent last September. The house wasn't ready but the landlord promised to get the work completed soon afer she had moved in. Well needless to say he hasn't done the work. The roof leaks, the gardens are like a rubbish tip, the tiles in the bathroom aren't grouted, the list is endless. The agent and my mum have tried to contact the landlord but he just doesn't answer his phone.

There was a 6 month break clause included for both parties and she gave notice a couple of weeks ago, to leave, 8 weeks notice. Unfortunatley she paid a years rent up front. The landlord promised it back but so far nothing.
The agent has contacted my mum today saying that the landlord has been acting oddly and they are having trouble getting hold of him, he also has keys to the property. The agent advised my Mum to "be very careful" - whatever that means.

So he owes her over £6000, too much for the small claims court - what's her next step. The agents are being less than helpful.
As you can imagine she's very worried.........

Thanks in advance for any advice.

knoxvillain · 27th March 2007, 14:37

get his address from agent, send him a letter recorded delivery explaining your thoughts, asking for your money back and that you expect a response within 14 days. If he doesn't respond or doesn't respond positively, send him a second letter giving him a further 14 days to comply with your request or you will take the action to court. After this 14 days submit papers at court to summons him.

blacksheep1979 · 27th March 2007, 16:49

I'd also point out to him that as it is more than what can be dealt with in the small claims cour the leaves himself open to a very heft legal bill WHEN he loses.

knoxvillain · 27th March 2007, 17:29

I'd maybe steer clear of telling them how a court would decide the case in case he produces the letter in court. Don't know if a judge would like it. i know it's tempting but be careful.

blacksheep1979 · 27th March 2007, 17:37

without prejudice.......

wellybelly · 29th March 2007, 10:52

Thanks you for taking the time to reply, we are going to write to him, and take it from there.

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