Agency didn't tell me they were only getting tenant for private landlord

[barnyyardy]

Apologies if this is in the incorrect area.

When I signed for my flat, I was told on picking up keys that I wouldn't be dealing with agency and basically "here are the landlords details, bye".

At no point in the process was I told this would happen. I didn't even know it could happen. I thought agencies found people to rent and would only do it if they also maintained the property.

Is this allowed? Should I have been informed? I went to the agency knowing the price was higher because I wouldn't be dealing with a single landlord (which are always trouble in my experience!) only to end up getting this bomb shell dropped on the way out of the agency door.

[theartfullodger]

Yes, entirely legal assuming paperwork correct. When you signed the tenancy before you moved in who was named as Landlord and what did it say about paying rent to whom or what.

Did you read what you were signing?

[barnyyardy]

Yes - I failed to understand the different between landlord agent / landlord. My mistake! Won't make that again. Thanks.

[Snorkerz]

Under normal circumstances, the situation you find yourself in would be beneficial - the 10%(?) of rent that your landlord pays to the agent can, instead, be spend on maintaining the property.

[barnyyardy]

Well this is one of the problems - they aren't. Been left with a leak for months and now told because of lockdown it won't be fixed for at least another three.

Landlord says its property managements problem.

[Snorkerz]

It's his problem to deal with 'property management'! Can we ask what the leak is? Your council should have a "Tenancy Relations Officer" or similar who could have a word, or there is advice on the 'Shelter' website.