My girlfriend and I had placed a £500 deposit with a letting agent, in respect of an 18 month tenancy, as verbal agreement had been reached for a moving date (3 weeks from handing the holding deposit to the agents). 2 weeks later, the landlord revealed to the agents that he had since found another tenant who would be seeking to buy the property from him after a period of time. He advised the agents this was too tempting an offer to refuse and would like to withdraw from our arrangement. The agents had prior to this (and upon receiving our deposit) conducted reference searches at a cost of c£80 each, which they advise will need to be deducted from the deposit if we later find a property through another agent. Logically, I feel that the agents should refund us the full balance and seek to recover their costs from the landlord who has not acted quite so honestly with them. As no formal contract has been signed as to the treatment of the money handed to the agents, I am concerned what rights we have to pursue this argument. Can anyone help me please?? Many thanks for taking to time to read.

I didn't take photos. I take it this is where my action comes to a close.

Hey, I have just received word from my former estate agents advising me that the landlord at my previous property has deducted £70 from my deposit as a cleaning bill due to the state of the place when I left. I spent three days cleaning this small one bedroom studio flat (which was more than enough time to be honest) and the place was spotless, witnessed by a friend (for re-assurance). I believe the landlord is attempting to profit from my deposit, which I know is against the law, though I would appreciate some advice as to my approach to this. I know my first step is writing to the agents. Can anyone suggest any legislation that I can quote to illustrate the seriousness of my complaint or provide any 'tried and tested' lingo that has helped them overcome this frustrating situation?