My DSs 23 & 21 are trying to rent a house. I viewed it with DH on 12 Aug. It was empty, part furnished, and we were told that they could be in as soon as the tenant checks were done. We told the agent they needed to be in ASAP and that we'd turned down other properties that weren't available till September. DS1 signed up that day and we paid a hefty £312 non refundable "admin fee".
All the checks came back OK within the week and the agent said they were good to go. Then the landlord wanted a full background check and they were told they'd be in by Friday 23 at the latest. Then there was a delay for something else. Then something else. Now it's something to do with the inventory and apparently they've taken out both the bed and the settee the agent told us was staying. As of yesterday the agent still has no clue when they'll move in. It just feels like they are making excuses all the time, and had they told us on day one they couldn't have it until September we'd have gone elsewhere. I feel they took our money under false pretences.
It doesn't sound like much time but they have both moved in with us while they wait and we can't move for people and stuff. There are 5 adults and a small child squashed into a small 3 bed and we can't stand it much longer.
Is there anything we can do? Obviously we could walk away but I'm loathe to hand over money I and they can't afford and lose it. I've looked up the complaints procedure on ARLA but it says they have 15 days to respond so that doesn't help.