Assured Shorthold Tenancy

[O'Reilly]

I have rented a property since 21st June 2006. I pay an estate agent who forwards my monthly rent to my landlord.

I received a letter from my landlord yesterday advising me that the estate agents are no longer dealing with rentals as and from this month and he has asked me to pay him direct from 21st at the same monthly rent.

I am awaiting notification from the estate agents regarding them no longer dealing with this property.

What should I now do? Should I ask the agent for a reference re promp payment and no damage etc? Should I expect my landlord to issue me a new tenancy agreement? Should I ask the agents to inspect the property on the last day that they are acting for myself/landlord? I have a feeling my landlord will put the rent up quite soon and I have nothing legally binding between him and myself as regards rent, required notice etc (and anything else I have not thought of that an ABer might)

[Wak]

I should think that the short answer is, if the landlord owns the property then he can do what he likes with it providing it is within the current housing laws. Using an agent to collect the rent wouldn't stop him increasing the rent if he was so minded.
Maybe the landlord doesn't want to pay the estate agents fees any longer due to the current financial situation.???
Try taking the first months rent to him in person and have a "friendly" chat about the terms and conditions remaining the same. Best of luck.

[O'Reilly]

Thank you very much. I'll try that.

[paulthewall]

As an ex-agent one or two things occur to me...firstly, did you pay a deposit to the agent, and if so, ensure that you get it back, and give him a receipt (keep a copy) for it. Give the depoist to the landlord, once he has proved to you his is the landlord and not a con merchant. Invite the landlord to inspect the property and ensure that it is up to his expected standard. Take pictures and date and sign them, to prove the condition is good at a certain date.
As to the agent, yes, another correspondent hit the nail on the head.
Ensure that you sign a new tenancy agreement soonest, check the rent and any clauses about it, and carry on.