Letting agent claiming I owe money because my housing benefit is paid every 4 weeks

Jamie_L

poppy123456 said:

Jamie_L said:

WhatThe said:

Can you just pay the £27 and be done with this? Let their software do the calculations it wants with your kitty

 

And due to being paid in arrears, what would happen to the final housing benefit payment if/when I leave the property? Would that be protected under a bond scheme?

It wouldn’t be protected by the bond scheme. However, anything owed to you from overpayment of the rent should be refunded back to you. 

I'd like to believe that would be the case but would prefer to avoid it If I have the choice.

Hannah_Alumni

Jamie_L said:

If I fight this, then hopefully the new manager will realise you can't be in a position of authority and treat people with such little humility. I'm hoping maybe I can save someone else down the line from having to go through something similar, especially if they aren't able to access the same support I can.

And thank you for sharing your story with us @jamie_L I do hope it is all resolved soon. 

Jamie_L

Hannah_Scope said:

Jamie_L said:

If I fight this, then hopefully the new manager will realise you can't be in a position of authority and treat people with such little humility. I'm hoping maybe I can save someone else down the line from having to go through something similar, especially if they aren't able to access the same support I can.

And thank you for sharing your story with us @jamie_L I do hope it is all resolved soon. 

Thanks Hannah, your kind words are appreciated

Jamie_L

MW123 said:

@Jamie_L

In the absence of a new contract, your existing tenancy continues under the same terms previously agreed upon, creating what's known as a periodic tenancy. This means the conditions established in the original agreement remain in effect. 

Regarding the transition to the new letting agency, their failure to communicate any alterations to your payment schedule, along with conflicting messages from different managers, strengthens your position to maintain the customary rent payment practices you've followed for over a decade. 

It is difficult to provide a definitive answer without knowing all the details of your original tenancy agreement and specific circumstances, it's important for you to assert your right to adhere to the established payment structure. Without a legally binding modification to your tenancy terms, you are entitled to maintain the status quo.

If the agency persists in being uncooperative or treating you unfairly, you have avenues for seeking redress. This could involve submitting a formal complaint to regulatory bodies such as the Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme, or seeking advice from organisations like Shelter. Taking these actions can assist you in managing the situation with clarity and resolving any disputes efficiently.

Thanks again for all the brilliant information, it'll be really useful. I had heard of shelter, but it hadn't occurred to me to contact them, but I will now.

I have started to put together a timeline of events and considering how to structure the complaints' letter and I will raise all these points.

I have looked on the letting agents website and they are affiliated with the Property Ombudsman, I intend to inform the LA that I will take the matter to the ombudsman if I'm unhappy with how the complaint is handled.

It's now becoming a little farcical, today I received a email for the old manager, just a standard you are in arrears type, guess she's a fairly hands on "consultant". 

Things had starting to look bleak, but thanks to you and all the people of this forum, I can feel the sun at the end of the tunnel now. It's really inspirational that you spend some of your spare time helping people like me with these problems, I'm incredibly grateful to all the people of this forum. It makes me feel like on some level I'm fighting for all of you.

MW123

@Jamie_L

I highly advise reaching out to Shelter for guidance, given their profound knowledge in housing and tenancy legislation, before proceeding with any further communication with the letting agent. 

The longstanding nature of your tenancy agreement, which has remained unchanged for 12 years, raises valid concerns about the new letting agency's attempt to unilaterally modify the payment terms without proper consultation or consent from you.

In light of the letting agent's questionable conduct, it is essential to obtain Shelter's specialised guidance to ensure that you approach this matter in a well-informed and legally sound manner. 

By leveraging Shelter's resources and expertise, you can navigate this complex situation with a comprehensive grasp of the legal implications, positioning yourself to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to resolve this dispute effectively and protect your rights.

Jamie, I'm glad that our community could be of help to you. It's uplifting to hear that you're feeling more optimistic now. I hope you have a good weekend.