shaggy_beef_on_a_tricycle
Well-Known Member
Hallo,
Long Story:
My family has been renting through an Agent since last year around this time. They were desperate for a roof over their heads and moved into the property without having any other options. After moving in, the house was in poor condition as the previous rentees didn't clean it up, garden was a mess and they left their rubbish all over. But my family cleaned everything and got rid of the rubbish themselves as the agents were useless. Lots of things damaged in the house. My family created a list of everything as well as took photos, but the agent never did anything. After various emails from the start and during the year and after the rent was paid from the start, they requested for the contract to be sent but the agents kept on ignoring it. So no contract and no support from the agent to come look at the property or do something about the stuff that is broke. Family made contact with the owner, the owner said they can fix stuff and then deduct from rent everything they fix up to X amount. This was then also communicated to the agent. Some big and important things that needs fixing however is still ignored. But they have a home, and they are grateful.
Fast-forward a year.
The agent sent an email that the rent is going up 10%. Taking in consideration the lockdown that left them without an income for a period of time (and still paid their full rent as the agent refused to negotiate, either pay or pack your bags), as well as having reduced income due to lockdown and the state of the property, they asked if the 10% increase can be negotiated please and if the agent can please send the original contract as have been asked many time. Agent ignored them. Family phoned the owner and the owner said they do not want them out of the house and yes they will only increase rent X amount. This was then sent to the agent. The agent then responded and said they must pay a renewal fee. Family replied back if they can please get the contract and see what it says about the renewal fee. Agent ignore them.
Almost done....
TL;DR:
Now the agent sent another mail their contract will not be renewed and they must vacate the property by the end of the month. No reason given. Phoned the owner to ask what is going on. The owner said they do not want them out of the house they can continue to rent, but the owner is looking for another agent as she is not happy with the agent.
So what now. Technically the agreement is with the agent (even though they refuse to send the written contract). But there are issues between the owner and the agent. My family don't know what the issue is and what the contract between the owner and the agent says
What can my family do now?
Do they listen to the owner and stay in the house but their "agreement" is with the agent.
Or can they get taken to court and be left on the street.
What about their deposit with the agent.
Thank you for your input.
Long Story:
My family has been renting through an Agent since last year around this time. They were desperate for a roof over their heads and moved into the property without having any other options. After moving in, the house was in poor condition as the previous rentees didn't clean it up, garden was a mess and they left their rubbish all over. But my family cleaned everything and got rid of the rubbish themselves as the agents were useless. Lots of things damaged in the house. My family created a list of everything as well as took photos, but the agent never did anything. After various emails from the start and during the year and after the rent was paid from the start, they requested for the contract to be sent but the agents kept on ignoring it. So no contract and no support from the agent to come look at the property or do something about the stuff that is broke. Family made contact with the owner, the owner said they can fix stuff and then deduct from rent everything they fix up to X amount. This was then also communicated to the agent. Some big and important things that needs fixing however is still ignored. But they have a home, and they are grateful.
Fast-forward a year.
The agent sent an email that the rent is going up 10%. Taking in consideration the lockdown that left them without an income for a period of time (and still paid their full rent as the agent refused to negotiate, either pay or pack your bags), as well as having reduced income due to lockdown and the state of the property, they asked if the 10% increase can be negotiated please and if the agent can please send the original contract as have been asked many time. Agent ignored them. Family phoned the owner and the owner said they do not want them out of the house and yes they will only increase rent X amount. This was then sent to the agent. The agent then responded and said they must pay a renewal fee. Family replied back if they can please get the contract and see what it says about the renewal fee. Agent ignore them.
Almost done....
TL;DR:
Now the agent sent another mail their contract will not be renewed and they must vacate the property by the end of the month. No reason given. Phoned the owner to ask what is going on. The owner said they do not want them out of the house they can continue to rent, but the owner is looking for another agent as she is not happy with the agent.
So what now. Technically the agreement is with the agent (even though they refuse to send the written contract). But there are issues between the owner and the agent. My family don't know what the issue is and what the contract between the owner and the agent says
What can my family do now?
Do they listen to the owner and stay in the house but their "agreement" is with the agent.
Or can they get taken to court and be left on the street.
What about their deposit with the agent.
Thank you for your input.
