We are relocating from a far away place to Herts. and flew in Nov last month especially to rent a place to house our young family from 1 Jan 2013. We rented a house through a sole agency for a property which is marketed for both rental and sale. We put in an offer, accepted by the landlord, who came back through the agency with specific terms (12 months, 6 month break clause, deposit etc). We were asked and paid 510 ukp (part goes to landlord as a holding deposit, and rest as credit referencing etc. fees). We provided all the details and referencing underway, we kept corresponding with the woman at the agency who sent me the floor plan etc to let me measure up my furniture and did more online furniture shopping as we are only a few weeks away to relocate the whole family.
Yesterday, the property agency wrote to us saying the landlord has sold the house to another party and the property is no longer available for lease?!!? And ALL they can do is to refund our deposit paid (510 ukp) and help us lease another property (no, thank you!)
This is not just unethical and unprofessional to say the least, the agency, in my opinion is ignoring our legal rights, there was indeed an agreement existed between the landlord and ourselves with clear agreed terms and conditions, and monthly rent etc. Money even changed hands. All implicit and explicit actions are strong evidence to support our claim that the landlord had an agreement with us PRIOR to agreeing with a third party to sell the house. Our position is that for someone to revoke an agreement, would be obliged to pay the notice in lieu.
We are not motivated to make money, we had a house to accommodate our family until some broke the lease and revoked the agreement. What annoys me most is the cold shoulder we are given by the agency basically saying this is what it is, tough luck, take your deposit back and let's move on. I just believe that they cannot just walk away AS IF nothing has happened.
Anyone knows what is our rights? And where can we get free or affordable help? We are now left high and dry, I don't know how we are supposed to rent a place between now and 1 Jan with Christmas in between. We are truly inconvenienced and suffered time and financial damages as a result. Thank you for any advice.