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For the last three years i have rented a small retail outlet that is managed by a semi retired agent working from home on behalf of the owner. I have paid my rent on time throughout this period. I have added significant value to what was a very run down property , by having the walls plastered, redecorated throughout , adding wall display shelving and racks and new laminate flooring throughout.
Unfortunatrly , due to.increasing competition over the last six months profit has been on a downward curve to the point where I have realised it is time to lgive up the premises and work from home. The agent who collects my rent was aware of my problems and not prepared to be in anyway flexible or give any leeway. As a result I gave a months notice , and as I paid a month in advance this took care of my notice period,.i also paid a deposit equivalent to a months rent. The agent is denying I paid my deposit and refusing to pay it back.
A grave error on my part , but I am struggling to find the receipt for the deposit. However , I do recall having handed to the agent my deposit and insisting upon a receipt and terms of notice. In return I was handed a few scrawled sentences on a letter headed paper. He did not take a copy and I did not ever sign any kind of document in relation to the rental agreement.
As a result ( and unless I can find the signed receipt) I am unable to prove I paid a deposit and the agent is refusing to return unless I produce said receipt. He knows full well I paid a deposit and that he is blatantly attempting to rip me off.
Is there any way i can make this this lack of formal agreement work in my favour?
Ideally, I would have liked to remain in the retail premises until the end of December to benefit from increased customer spend leading to Christmas. If the agent intends to keep my deposit , I am of a mind to remain in the promises without paying further rent until the end of December. If I can find the name and address of the actual owner of the property I intend to contact them and explain the circumstances.
Its not the way I would normally work or choose to do things - but as the saying goes. 'don't get mad, get even'!!
I would appreciate any views , particularly relating to how quickly the agent could force a legal eviction ?
Unfortunatrly , due to.increasing competition over the last six months profit has been on a downward curve to the point where I have realised it is time to lgive up the premises and work from home. The agent who collects my rent was aware of my problems and not prepared to be in anyway flexible or give any leeway. As a result I gave a months notice , and as I paid a month in advance this took care of my notice period,.i also paid a deposit equivalent to a months rent. The agent is denying I paid my deposit and refusing to pay it back.
A grave error on my part , but I am struggling to find the receipt for the deposit. However , I do recall having handed to the agent my deposit and insisting upon a receipt and terms of notice. In return I was handed a few scrawled sentences on a letter headed paper. He did not take a copy and I did not ever sign any kind of document in relation to the rental agreement.
As a result ( and unless I can find the signed receipt) I am unable to prove I paid a deposit and the agent is refusing to return unless I produce said receipt. He knows full well I paid a deposit and that he is blatantly attempting to rip me off.
Is there any way i can make this this lack of formal agreement work in my favour?
Ideally, I would have liked to remain in the retail premises until the end of December to benefit from increased customer spend leading to Christmas. If the agent intends to keep my deposit , I am of a mind to remain in the promises without paying further rent until the end of December. If I can find the name and address of the actual owner of the property I intend to contact them and explain the circumstances.
Its not the way I would normally work or choose to do things - but as the saying goes. 'don't get mad, get even'!!
I would appreciate any views , particularly relating to how quickly the agent could force a legal eviction ?
