I’m compelled to share a case that I am currently working on this week as a cautionary example to prevent this type of thing happening again to anyone that is naïve when it comes to instructing a letting agent. I was recently approached and asked for advice by a professional woman who had accepted a post to work overseas back in November 2010. As is usual in this type of situation she had a million and one things to handle with a new job on the horizon and a relocation overseas to arrange, so when she received a cold call from an agent claiming to have rented 30 plus apartments in her development with an offer to rent her apartment to an awaiting professional she jumped at the chance and signed on the dotted line, and set off to her new life. The first sign of trouble came 6 months later when she decided to return to the UK for a visit and rung the agent to ask for access whilst she was here. The Agent then said oh well this could be tricky as your first tenant has left and a new one moved in last week – but don’t worry we have dealt with it at no extra cost to you. Still assuming they were the professionals she still remained unfazed by the whole thing but did insist that an inspection was arranged. It was the problems trying to gain access to her own apartment that first alarmed her; she had 3 attempts at gaining access and then finally managed to get in. All seemed well in the apartment so again she left the UK and outwardly everything seemed fine. Then news broke of her return to the UK in November 2011 and she contacted the agent to get him to serve notice on the tenants and was promptly told that this was not possible as the tenants had an agreement until May 2012!! But how could this be – she asked, she signed an AST for 12 months with a 6 month break clause and signed nothing since? They had also reassured her that when the second lot of tenants moved in it would not affect her original agreement. She then reached out to the tenants personally with the offer of a financial settlement if they would move earlier if she compensated them. Once in direct contact with the tenants she then found out that the agent has moved all her furniture out of the apartment as they needed an unfurnished flat! The tenants also disclosed that they themselves too had so far had a dreadful service from the agent. Since this she has also discovered that they had not initially registered the tenants deposit a legal requirement and only did this when she asked for proof of registration. And on scrutinising her bank statements has found out that half her rental payments have never been received. As a result of mal practice by this unprofessional she will now be homeless on her return to the UK, has no idea where her furniture is and has not received all her rental payments! She has asked me to step in and help; I am currently seeking legal advice from Pain Smith Solicitors – the Lawyers that advise regulated members of the NAEA and Arla. Of course the Agent concerned is not regulated at all by any of the professional bodies that strive to protect innocent Landlords and tenants like the ones I mention. Please do take this as a lesson and use a regulated Agent that belongs to either the NAEA or ARLA and the Property Ombudsmen to prevent this type of serious mal practice happening again.