Rent-to-own company Brighthouse will close 30 of its stores and cut 350 jobs, shrinking its size by around a tenth. The closures around Britain are due to take place over the next two months, with Brighthouse's 3,000 workforce already informed. https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-6673493/Rent-firm-Brighthouse-close-30-stores-cut-350-jobs.html?mrn_rm=rta

I viewed a flat yesterday morning for a rental. I made a payment of 350 pound and was told the property would be taken off of the market when I make an offer. I was also told the money would be refundable if the landlord does not accept my offer. At the end of the day I made an offer of 340pw. The landlord refused and counter offered 350pw. I declined that and the agent suggested 345pw as a compromise. I told him to see what the landlord said, but had yet to discuss with my brother, who i was renting with. Having discussed with my brother, who was unsure about 340pw to begin with, I called the agent and told them my brother was not happy with 340 and we wanted a refund. By this point, the landlord had not confirmed whether he would accept 345pw as he had to speak to his partner as well. So all in all, the offer was only live for a matter of a few hours, it wasn't confirmed and since I made the deposit, I know the agency still had the advert live and had made at least one viewing, directly after mine so it wasn't really taken off the market at all. However, the agency are trying to retain the full 350 pound as compensation for the landlord. I thought the deposit was to cover reasonable costs incurred? It's not like it was off the market for a week. And besides, there had been no agreed and confirmed offer. Do you have any advice to get at least part of the money back or is there no real hope in your opinion? many thanks.

I truly hope this was due to health reasons and for no other ! I do appreciate because of their training, they might not be suitable as family pets once they have been retired. But there must be some place for them.