Cheating Agent - of the holiday letting variety

[Chuck]

Next time, knock on the door and tell the occupants that you are from the agency and are just doing a "welcome check" or somesuch. Ask if they're having a nice time etc. Pump them for as much info as you can. That gives you something to kick the agent with.

Or, wait for them to go out and let yourself in. Look for names, booking forms, or any kind of correspondence. When we had holiday lets, that was the sort of thing that just got left on a table or worktop as it contained info on how to find the place and how to get in. Take pictures.

[vetran]

Agreed. I'm well aware that they are in a position to squeeze out of this so I'm aiming for an amicable parting of ways. Of course, once there is nothing else owed to me by them I will be seeking to pass on information about my experience to their other landlords. I don't have details for any of them so the only way to do that would be openly over the internet.

and without rock solid evidence it would be classed as defamation.

Prove it beyond reasonable doubt, then approach the agent telling them you are terminating without notice and pointing out you want any rent due. Once you get a letter agreeing to that and accepting liability you can mention that in public.

Be careful what you do by entering the property without prior arrangement or impersonating the agent both could probably be considered illegal or at least underhand.

[clearedforlanding]

This is one of these topics that can be discussed endlessly by amateurs.

What does your lawyer say?

[LondonManc]

We are booked out for a few weeks so we'd be waiting a while. Interestingly there was a gap in the calendar a few days back and sure enough there were guests in the flat. I didn't want to disturb them in case they tipped off the agent but I think that they did hear my key in the lock - there were suddenly some noises coming from inside anyway. Strangely enough a couple of days later the calendar shows the flat as booked. I've been keeping screen shots for future reference/evidence.

Sounds like mates rates then; been rumbled and post-dating bookings.

Perhaps they'll fly straight now they've been rumbled.

[NibblyPig]

Gather as much documentation as possible

Confront

???

Litigate

???

Profit

[Boney M]

This is clearly theft and not fraud under the revised 2006 Act.

I would be inclined to put an IP camera tot he cloud or something in the interim until you get some sort of card system etc. Just put it in a discreet place that only records when their is movement.

As for previous bookings not entered, is there any utilities you can check which would pin point people there? maybe a regular electric or gas bill that would indicate continued use over a 3 month period?

Is there a calendar on the site they advertise on that shows when it was full? I would work backwards with whatever information you have to hand, then end the contract and demand the relative money you believer you are owed and then notify all the other landlords in the block and set up a website similar to their domain name and post your experience

[clearedforlanding]

Seriously?

This is clearly theft and not fraud under the revised 2006 Act.

I would be inclined to put an IP camera tot he cloud or something in the interim until you get some sort of card system etc. Just put it in a discreet place that only records when their is movement.

As for previous bookings not entered, is there any utilities you can check which would pin point people there? maybe a regular electric or gas bill that would indicate continued use over a 3 month period?

Is there a calendar on the site they advertise on that shows when it was full? I would work backwards with whatever information you have to hand, then end the contract and demand the relative money you believer you are owed and then notify all the other landlords in the block and set up a website similar to their domain name and post your experience

One female noticing that and it is a one way ticket to being on a sex offenders list.

[Contreras]

If fraud is suspected, isn't this a police matter?

[Boney M]

One female noticing that and it is a one way ticket to being on a sex offenders list.

No it wouldn't. You do post some bulltulip on here

[Boney M]

Small claims court.
Eject guests, their contract & issue is with agency, not you.
Find a new agent.

*Consult a lawyer to confirm above.

I have had a squatter in one of my beach apartments for 14 months. It is still dragging through Spanish courts and can take up to 2 years to evict in Spain. Be thankful the law is on your side in the UK.

Like this crock of tulip for one