Suggestions on problem with estate agent and rental tax please

Raman


Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 22:44

Landlord rents out a property. He pays an estate agent to manage the property and collect rents etc. Estate agent deducted 10% rental tax. Landlord thinks all is well until tax office advise him that no tax has ever been paid over. Tax office now want the tax and also late payment penalties.



The estate agent is either unable or unwilling to provide landlord with proof that tax was paid so landlord can only assume the tax office are correct. Estate agent is stalling and won’t pay the money deducted back to landlord so he can pay the tax direct.



What is the best course of action? Suggestions please.

1.Seek help through HBPG, (but I don’t think the agent is a member of the Estate Agents Union so this may not be any use?)

2.Seek lawyers help to sue agent, if so can someone recommend a competent firm or is this just throwing good money after bad.

3.Report estate agent to police for theft, since he had taken the money under false pretences.

4.Name and shame Estate Agent on CY44.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 23:00

Have you got proof that the renter/leaseholder paid the full amount and Estate Agent deducted any more than their fees?



If so sue their pants off after trying the police route first just in case that gives them enough of a nudge.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
16/03/2010 06:36

Go to Police, but you will probably find the agent is the Police chiefs brothers cousin and you'll be arrested for harrasment. Name and shame as you will probably find he has'nt paid taxes for any of the rentals he has on his books.



D.N

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
16/03/2010 11:30

Is there a contract between landlord and agent outlining services to be provided and has this been stamped as you will need this if you want to sue.

How about writing to the agent stating that you will publish full details of what has happened in both Turkish and English language press and internet if payment not forthcoming in 7 days.