To be thoroughly pissed off and downhearted.

[FermezLaBouche]

So, I am moving 220 miles away for a new job. Three weeks ago I paid a holding deposit of £255 to an estate agent in my new city for the most beautiful little one bedroom flat. I was really pleased to have found such a nice little place so central.

This morning I take a call from the estate agent, sounding very embarrassed. She says the owner of the flat over the weekend left them a message saying she's decided to let it out to a friend, despite knowing the agents had let it. She is now not responding to any of the estate agent's calls or emails. I am devastated. Being so far away from new city, I cannot just pop up and have a look around to find somewhere new.

The agent has offered me another property - even more central but it was a HUNDRED pounds a month more than the old one - I cannot do this. She's negotiated with the owner and now it is only fifty more than the old one.... but I just feel so angry that people can just do this. I know it's her property so she can do what she likes with it.... but it was just so perfect. :( AIBU to feel so downhearted?

Absolutely ok to be disappointed. But if the landlord is like that then you've probably had a lucky escape!

Whats the new place like?

More likely the landlord realised it was underpriced and is now renting for more.

Even more central is fantastic though. Is this a flat in London?

It's not a nicely done out but it's 2 bedrooms, central Durham (sod anonymity!) and the owner has said I'm welcome to re-decorate. You are probably right about the landlady!

Out of goodwill, the agent could forfeit £50 profit a month and match the price of the original flat. Afterall, presumably they should have got some sort of contract with the landlord before taking your money to stop this kind of thing happening.

Imperial I think that's exactly it!

That is a bummer, but there probably isn't much you can do about it unfortunately.

Had you signed anything when you paid the holding deposit? I'd have thought you would be protected against this sort of thing?

Otherwise, then as Noqontrol says above, it sounds as if you're lucky not to have this person as your landlady.

trikken you're right, there's nothing I can do except fume and swear to myself till I've got it all out!

BodyofEeyore You WOULD think thwy would have a contract, wouldn't you. I could maybe understand if I hadn't put the holding deposit down, but I thought that was binding! Am slightly mollified by the idea that I can do up the new place though.

No - nothing signed, just £255 paid as a holding fee. Which obviously is meaningless if this kind of thing happened.

Once you move, go round and slip a kipper through the letterbox - childish, but it will make you feel better. Then move on.

Very childish.... but I will bear it in mind! I'm trying to look on the positive side. Yes, taking the new place will mean big lifestyle change in terms of cutting back, but I have been needing to do this for a long time, so there could be some positives. And a bedroom view of Durham cathedral isn;t the worst thing in the world.

Durham's lovely, and it sounds as if you've had a narrow escape from a landlord who could have terminated the contract with minimum notice once you'd got settled.

Very true, Fallen!
I know everything will work out alright as I'm lucky enough to have supportive friends and parents, but it would just be nice if for once something could go....smoothly!

Yes, I often feel that what I want from life is for it to be uneventful.

My lovely Nan would always say 'what is meant to be will be'. Admittedly quite annoying when you are pissed off that things haven't gone the way you wanted but like others say it sounds like you have had a lucky escape with that landlord. Just think as well with the extra room it will be much easier for you to have visitors or possibly get a housemate in the future. Good luck with your move

Thanks for that purple :) Housemate is a possibility!

Welcome to Durham! When I rented I lived in central durham and loved it - I live in Chester-le-street now which is about 6 miles away from Durham. It's a beautiful part of the world!

Thanks Pottering!
I lived in Durham as a student but couldn't afford city centre - now I'm working I really want to be walking distance from pubs shops and things. :) You're right, it is lovely!

isn't private rental marvellous?

Yup - bloody great!!