holding fees estate agents etc

[LegoStuckInMyHoover]

Hello, i don't know if anyone can help?!

In November last year I paid 200 holding fee for a house to rent, to estate agent A. However, I then found another house more suitable from estate agent B. The estate agent [B] of the second house said they would take 200 off their fees to compensate for me losing the first holding fee to estate agent A [so I would not be losing out].

However, 3 days prior to my moving in date, the estate agent B let me down and said they were no longer letting the house. I had not signed a contract at this point and they hadn't taken a holding fee; all they did was credit check me and i signed a form for them to take a holding fee. This left my children and I homeless for a while, sleeping on peoples floors, and 200 out of pocket. I am wondering if I am entitled to anything from estate B? or is it all my fault? The estate agent B say it is not their responsibility. thank you.

It looks like it is agent B who is at fault. So I would ask for your money back from them, explaining the position you are now in. I'd do it quite politely and ask for their help. Alternatively you could ask them to find you another property if you haven't one already. If they don't, check they are members of NALs/ARLA/RICs or an Ombudsman such as TPOS. if they are, follow the companies complaints procedure and if you get no joy, I'd take it to the Ombudsman who will look at this for you free of charge. Hope that helps.

Thank you PropertyChecklists, I didn't know an Ombudsman existed! I will try this.

If you dont get anywhere then let us know. Will do what can to help.