Chasing Rent Money From Our Agent

Lzxzxzx on 09/03/2017 - 20:49
Last edited 10/03/2017 - 21:50 by 1 other user

I had recently gotten a real estate agent to lease my 2 bedroom unit. They were able to find me a tenant who paid a 2 week deposit (as is the usual case to lock in a rental prior to them moving in). However, the tenant never ended up moving in and had to cancel because of personal circumstances.

I was to receive their 2 week deposit/bond minus the advertising fees. I ended up leaving this real estate agent 2 weeks later because they couldn't find me any satisfactory tenants.

When I chased this up the payment with the agent on the phone they said they couldn't find my bank account details which I had already emailed them, then when I chased up in person he said he received my emailed account details and just did the electronic transfer before I walked in the door.

It has been over 1 week now and I have still not received it.

Does anyone know who or which government body I should escalate this issue to? For example the ACCC?

Edit: Thanks for the helpful responses! Will update on how it goes.

Financial

Comments

  • oscargamer on 09/03/2017 - 21:04
    -5

    Just get your money and find a new REA

    Don't waste time or effort or stress dealing with these tools

    Your contract with the REA should state this, but https://www.reiv.com.au/ if you can be bothered

    We really have become a nation of whingers haven't we?

    And there is no such word as gotten (in Australia)

  • holdenmg on 09/03/2017 - 21:15
    +1

    Well, the funds should be transferred then…

    Unless they make a mistake over the BSB or Account Number.

    Ask the agent to confirm in writing the transfer has been done (and to what account).

    Otherwise, contact the http://www.reinsw.com.au/

    • zxzxzx on 10/03/2017 - 21:48
      +1

      Thanks, have asked them to confirm transfer details and to provide a receipt - will see how it goes before escalating.

  • fruit on 09/03/2017 - 23:52
    +2

    he said he received my emailed account details and just did the electronic transfer before I walked in the door.

    Cheques in the mail, classic excuse.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 09/03/2017 - 23:53

    Are you saying you are entitled to forfeit their 2-weeks rent, and the Agent confirms that? I've heard this before but I haven't met anyone who actually forfeit in a residential situation.
    On the other hand, I met an acquaintance who said her brother helped her to get her advance money from Agent. She was not happy that the Agent "has the audacity to forfeit my money"!

    • garetz on 10/03/2017 - 01:24

      Yes, thats the way it works, otherwise why have a bond at all.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2017 - 06:48

        Is that bond or advance? They have different purpose.

        • garetz on 10/03/2017 - 10:47

          a bond and an advance are 2 different unrelated things

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 10/03/2017 - 10:54

          @garetz: Yea I gather that, so not sure what the OP is referring to. Initially it was a "deposit" which looks like an advance, and now it's turned into Bond….

        • zxzxzx on 10/03/2017 - 21:52

          @Pumpkin_rrr: Not sure what it actually is, but the term used was "holding deposit".

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