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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Fury over lettings agency owing thousands to landlords and tenants

A lettings agency in the West Midlands is reported to have closed its two offices at short notice, leaving clients angry at the prospect of losing money given to the firm.

Local media in the region report that Holmes The Property People has closed in Kingswinford and Wolverhampton branches, and reports cite several landlords and tenants who claim the company has their money. 

The firm was founded nine years ago and was previously known as Eazy Lets.

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Holmes has not responded to a request from Letting Agent Today for information on what is happening, and local media attempts to get in touch with the firm have also been unsuccessful.

A Google search lists the company but refers to it as “permanently closed” although the agency’s website still lists some properties. Of two telephone numbers given on the website, one has an automatic answerphone and the other appears to be disconnected.

The Stourbridge News website quotes James Robinson, who has been a landlord in Kingswinford for 15 years, saying g he is owed £4,032 in rent over a period of eight months. He had failed in his bid to contact the firm. 

Contractor Mark Weaver, who did maintenance work for the company over three months last year, says he is owed £4,100 while tenant Ryan Barlow is owed his £1,050 deposit and says of the mystery surrounding the firm’s closure: “There was no word of warning. It’s absolutely disgusting.”

You can see the agency’s website here.

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    • 22 May 2019 15:51 PM

    There will Unfortunately be many more LA going this way.
    LL need to get their deposits in their own insurance based account with mydeposits
    They also need to have the rent paid directly and then pay the LA
    The Tenant Fee Ban is already having its effects and it hasn't even started yet!!
    Many LA will be found to be naked as the tide goes out.
    LL should be very concerned.
    Get your monies out now away from LA clutches!!

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    Unfortunately too many LL wait too long before they demand accountability from their agent when rent hasn't been paid. Tenants also suffer not knowing if their deposit has been ring-fenced. As for the tradesman owed money - he should have seen the warning signs a bit sooner I guess, but I'm not blaming anyone - it's just observational.

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