Service Charge Retention refund

[rainday]

Hi, I was hoping to get some advice on how to proceed with a refund on a service charge retention. I sold my flat 2 years ago and the buyer's solicitor requested that I put down a retention of £500; to be held for 6 months. It has now been 2 years. Over the last year and a half I have periodically sent an email to my solicitor requesting for the return of this money. Initially I was told that the buyer's solicitors were not replying, however, for the last 6 months despite sending more chaser emails and phone calls I have received no reply from my solicitor. It appears that he's ignoring me.

I even found, in a old thread of emails, a phone number for the buyer's solicitors. I called them up to get more information on what was stalling this matter, however, they were unwilling to talk to me about their client's case details.

Not sure how to proceed with this one and what options I have to reclaim my money. Any guidance will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[echat11]

Hi RAINDAY

Gather all the evidence then lodge a complaint with the Legal Ombudsman Service.

https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/in...n-centre/faqs/

You can also consider lodging a complaint with the SRA about the solicitor's conduct.

They have a Code of Conduct:

https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/st...ct-solicitors/

[rainday]

Hi, in need of some further advice please. I followed the advice above and did get a response from my solicitors. They are adamant that they are getting no response from the buyers' solicitor despite numerous requests and emails sent across. My questions is do I have an recourse to pursue this matter directly with the buyer's solicitor even though I was obviously not a client of theirs. Perhaps I could pursue them in a small claims court, is this even a sensible path. Thanks in advance for your help.