We found a flat and put a holding deposit down. Only one of us had viewed, but we trusted her opinion. Completed referencing checks and started planning move in.
We then realised that the pictures for the flat as advertised online were of a different flat. We confronted the agency ans they denied, even though it was clearly a newer flat than the one we had put a holding deposit on. This is illegal, and we confirmed that with advertising standards agency.
We asked the landlord to consider updating the oven, to be inline with the pictures that were provided, as after a second viewing we could clearly see the pictures were not right. During this time we confirmed multiple times we were still interested in the flat and keen to sign. However the landlord refused to make any changes, and the agency denied any wrongdoing. At this point we had passed the 15 day period ans the landlord has now cancelled the contract.
We have repeatedly asked (essentially begged) for the contract to be re-issued, and stated how we have the agreed upfront rent and deposit ready. The agency haven’t heard from the landlord and it’s been over a week now, no word on the contract and no holding deposit back.
It’s 2 weeks from the move in date, we’re desperate for the flat, but hearing nothing back. Is there anything we can do that we haven’t already tried? I’m worried we have no legal standing so if we do lose the flat we can’t even take it to small claims and the landlord will keep our holding deposit. Any suggestions welcome!