I handed over holding deposit - need help

thelibertyboy

i went to view a house yday and i paid 400 euro to the letting agent to hold the apartment. i have not signed anything and at first the place was 1200 and they have put the rent up by 150 when we reviewed the lease, i cant afford it and what iv been told is i cant get my 400 back can anyone give me advice?

thank you

BeatNikDub

Wow, that does not sound right at all.
Did you get a receipt?
Report to regulator immediately.

Property Services Regulatory Authority
Abbey Buildings
Abbey Road
Navan
Co Meath

Telephone: 046-9033800
Fax: 046-9033888
Lo-Call: 1890-252712
Email: info@psr.ie

Check if they are a licensed agent too here as this seems not only unethical but criminal!
http://www.psr.ie/website/npsra/npsraweb.nsf/page/publicregister-reg-of-propserv-prov-en

The_Conductor

You need to advise the agent that they have to return the deposit to you- as you were offered the property under false pretences (the pretence being that the rent was 1,200- when in actual fact it was significantly higher).

Failure to return the deposit promptly- will result in an official complaint to the Property Services Regulatory Authority (see details in BeatNikDub's post).

ruben37

Very good advice above, they have no right to retain the deposit under the circumstance explained in your posting.