Wrong bank account number for 1st rent payment.

[sheraff]

Hi,

 

I've started renting a new flat on May 19th through an agency.

I paid the first month rent and the deposit that same day in cash and my agency gave me the account name and account number of the landlord for future payments. This bank account number is not written on my contract, it was given to me on a separate sheet.

 

On June, 19th, I paid the second rent via online banking to my landlord's account. The money has been instantly debited from my bank account.

On July, 3 or 4, I've been contacted by my agency saying that the landlord did not receive the money because there might have been a mistake in the sort code.

Next day, I've been contacted by my landlord saying that not only the sort code was false, but also the account name.

I've checked that the account to which I sent the money did not actually exist. So the money is virtually between our two accounts, somewhere.

In this case, my bank assured me that the only way to see the money back was to start a recall procedure that could take upto 6 weeks with NO GUARANTEE OF RETURN.

My landlord has a desperate need of money for july 14th, so as he did not receive his June payment, he presses on me so that I repay him that rent (asking me to take an overdraft or borrow money from my family).

 

In the case that my money is not returned, who would be responsible for the loss of money?

As I am supposed to pay my landlord on the 19th of July I could eventually pay for next month, but I am afraid that if I do that, he will consider it as the previous payment and ask me for another rent on the 19th.

My landlord says the agency is responsible for the mistake, my agency says the landlord is responsible, but I am afraid that my agency could start blaming on me.

What is the best attitude I shall take in order to defend myself towards my landlord and not pay again this rent?

 

Thank you for your help

Sheraff

[Joa]

I have no idea what happens to money which was paid to non-existent bank accounts but when it comes to responsibility for the cock up, it is simple to me:

my agency gave me the account name and account number of the landlord

I hope you still have this piece of paper and maybe even a witness. Point the landlord in the direction of the agents; he pays them a fat commission and they can't even get the basics right. Sympathise with him, because good relationship with the landlord is priceless, but be firm; it is plainly, clearly and obviously the fault of the agent.