Estate agent lying - how to deal with them.

[steveburns]

Hi All

I have recently discovered my estate agent has been lying to me.

My last tenant caused significant damage to my house (unintentionally). My estate agent advised a significant refurbished to be able to increase the income. I eventually went with this option and was advised it would take a couple of months to sort out. My plan was to either rent it straight away or rent it out short term such as air bnb until I got tenants. It took 2 months to finally get a couple of quotes from my estate agent and they started work on it almost 2,5 months after it became empty

After the work had already been started, the estate agent rang up to say 'the house will be great for students in the summer' meaning if the work was done in the time they stated, there would be 2-3 months where the house would be empty. I was not happy with this and said I still need the house ready in the timeframe I was given so I could rent it out using air bnb until long term tenants were found. He said that was fine and my house would be a priority since I was patient with the quotes.

However the work kept being delayed and I kept being told all sorts of excuses, but all seemed plausible. however it became clear the agent did not prioritise my house at all and the plan all a long was to work on multiple projects ready for the summer for students. I got confirmation he was lying through the latest excuse. As per his usual excuse , he blamed the builder for some issues but also said furniture for the property had arrived but was damaged so had to be sent back. I was already suspicious because he originally said the furniture was on its way a while ago. I went to the place he said he ordered the furniture from and they said there is no order for my address.

I am thinking of confronting the agent about this and giving responsibility of the house to another agent. however this agent already has signed tenancy agreements students arriving in a couple of weeks. I am really annoyed the agent has been dishonest and don't want them to benefit from the income my house will make. However I am not sure if I can if they are the ones of sorted the contract and it seems the power is with the agent if we have a dispute. Is there any governing body for estate agents I could refer my agent to if they cause issues for me after I confront them about their lying?

[jpkeates]

Every agent has to belong to an approved redress scheme that can become involved if the companies own complaints process doesn't deliver an acceptable result.

I would start by meeting with the agent and discussing your concerns and the evidence that they're lying.

I'm slightly concerned about the change on approach from "a tenant" to a student letting, because that's a fairly specialist business and it's not a direction I'd be moving into (although it might be sensible depending on your particular local circumstances).

[Another Fine Mess]

Consider changing Letting Agent, go and talk to another one.

[Sydaton]

To be clear on the situation, the property required refurbishment and you felt it was best to get an estate agent to organise this with a builder rather than instruct a builder yourself?

Although that seems strange to me, I suppose it could be the best idea sometimes.

Did they charge a fee to supervise the work?

[steveburns04]

Yes they charged a fee to supervise the work. I originally though the estate agent was good so thought it was best to go through them. But since the building work I have realised I made a mistake. I am now trying to think how I can sort this. I essentially want to leave this estate agent, but the new tenants are due in a couple of weeks so not sure how it would work if I change estate agents since the contracts are through my current agent.

Regarding the change from a residential tenancy to students, the company specialises in student lets. I bought the property at auction with a tenant in situ and the estate agent were the ones looking after the property so I continued with them. Not sure how they ended up with it.

[jpkeates]

Regarding the change from a residential tenancy to students, the company specialises in student lets. I bought the property at auction with a tenant in situ and the estate agent were the ones looking after the property so I continued with them. Not sure how they ended up with it.

A lot of the refurb is going to relate to the change of use.

If you do change agents, you're going to have to find another agency that specialises in students.

It's unlikely that your contract with the agent can be ended as easily as you think.

I'm not sure that a property configures as a small student HMO would be suitable for use as an airBnB let.

[steveburns04]

The location of the property was perfect for both air bnb or students (others doing the same). Near universities and the city centre (walking distance). Yes I do think the contract would not be able to be terminated easily but if I now have proof they have lied I could try and raise this with their redress scheme. The other option is just to leave it and let them continue since I will be getting income soon. I am just annoyed the agent continues to lie to me.

[jpkeates]

You'll have to go through the agent's own complaints process for the Redress scheme to be able to be involved.

I don't think anything will be lost in at very least discussing the issue with the agent.
You can't do business in the long term with someone you don't trust, and there may be another explanation.

[DoricPixie]

Yes they charged a fee to supervise the work. I originally though the estate agent was good so thought it was best to go through them. But since the building work I have realised I made a mistake. I am now trying to think how I can sort this. I essentially want to leave this estate agent, but the new tenants are due in a couple of weeks so not sure how it would work if I change estate agents since the contracts are through my current agent.

Which contracts? The tenancy agreement, your agreement with the letting agency or the contract with the builder to do the work?

Regarding the change from a residential tenancy to students, the company specialises in student lets. I bought the property at auction with a tenant in situ and the estate agent were the ones looking after the property so I continued with them. Not sure how they ended up with it.

This sounds like a case of the tail wagging the dog.

[AndrewDod]

It is not clear why you are using an estate agent as a construction project manager.

My barber (when I don't cut my own hair) doesn't do my gardening.

[SouthernDave]

Are you surprised? Estate agents are professional liars and manipulators.