Can letting agencies refuse to put things in writing?

[champagnecyclist]

I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago on this board about my rented housing situation and was strongly advised to move. I'm doing my level best to do that, but haven't got anywhere yet. Seeing another place tomorrow so fingers crossed.

In the meantime, am having to carry on dealing with letting agency harassment. I have been waiting a few days after each of their silly emails/letters, taking the time to respond in a very calm, level, businesslike way.

Their latest correspondence to me says that they will no longer put anything in writing to me.

Can they do this?

They are basically saying that we must discuss stuff over the phone, they won't use writing.

As they are harassing me, I'm reluctant to do this, and have already been advised by CAB to keep a paper trail. Will be heading back to CAB tomorrow to get a second opinion there too, but it doesn't sound right.

Does anyone know whether there is anything in tenancy law, or even just English law, that says you have a right to put/receive things in writing in this kind of situation?

Its ridiculous. Of course they can't! If it were me I would let them know my phone was out of action and they can email or write to you if they need to contact you. There is no good reason to voice only unless the don't want to leave a record. sounds well dodgy!

I would say that if they want to avoid putting things in writing you reserve the right to record the conversation as is your right.

I would also ensure that after each and every phone call you recap the contents via letter and remind them that you can always provide a transcript should it be required.

=)

Total bollocks. My agency even record calls (I'm a landlord) and that was accepted evidence when we had an insurance argument.
Keep notes and advise landlord. The person with whom you have a contract. You have no legal relationship with the agency.

Just refuse to take their calls and continue to put everything in writing. If you have to go to court you will look totally reasonable and if they can't produce their responses they will look obstructive.

Thank you.

CAB read through their latest correspondence, and said their view is the same.

If you record their phone calls I think you have to tell them at the top of the call. I've got a voice recorder app on my phone that records all my calls automatically