Can you detect a level of blackmail in this communication?

Question

Brief outline - had major problems with letting agent - took months to get tenant out of house - agency have lied about allowing me access to view house when tenant was in - have implied I've done illegal entries (which I haven't) - wouldn't answer my questions.
The agent thinks tenant should get her full deposit back when the damage she left includes a radiator hanging off the wall, dents plaster work, fitted gas hob broken (the list of faults equals page of A4 typed). I've finally received the following in an email from the agency (they are in the wrong and they know it) and I think it's blackmail what do you think?

'Although we disagree with the dicision, we have decided to return the security deposit to yourself in full (£550), this will be paid into your account as soon as we receive an email from you stating that 'this will close the matter and no further action or communication will be received from you in connection with (the property)'
Opinions please.

Answer 1

If you can afford to get the repairs done, do it and let things go. The time, worry and effort involved in getting anything back at all will probably not be worth it.



Take the money, sign what they ask for and include a clause that they also consider the matter closed and they will take no further action etc..



Concentrate your efforts on reletting the property and keeping it let. Learn a lesson and move on.

Answer 2

See a solicitor. Until then, do not email or communicate in any way with the letting agent. And do not discuss the agent with your friends or other contacts.



On the face of it, it appears that a lot more than £550 worth of damage has been done to your house. In addition, from your question I would guess that you would wish to ask a solicitor whether you could sue the agent for negligence (perhaps on a no win no fee basis).



A couple of points. Firstly, it is probably a pity you have not seen a solicitor sooner. Secondly, be careful now what you say. You should be very careful about calling a professional a liar or suggesting that they are engaging in blackmail.



Finally, at the end of the day you are seeking the best financial deal possible. Try not to get to emotional about it, although this may not be easy if the house was your home, albeit you may have a claim for emotional damage.



P.S. The solicitor will tell you if you should go to the police. If you do so alone you may get yourself into even bigger problems if the agent starts accusing you of making false accusations.

Answer 3

I wouldn't call it blackmail, but I would immediately change agents, and it sounds like they feel the same way. Definitly follow some of the very sound advice in seeking a solicitor (I guess that's what you guys call 'em over there) before replying, however.



Good job standing your ground against the agent if the alleged damage is true.

Answer 4

I'm not sure it's blackmail i think it's standard practise for them to state that. i think it's so you don't get your deposit back then take them to court because the £550 doesn't cover the repairs, because I think the letting agency would be liable for the rest of the cost of repairs. I am not a solicitor it is just my opinion so it might be worth checking with a solicitor before you do anything

Answer 5

Blackmail? Huh?



They are saying that:



1) They disagree with you.

2) They are willing to give you the 550. to close the matter

and

3) They don't ever want to speak to you again about it



How is that blackmail? You can either say "ok" and abide by the terms or say "no" and do whatever you feel you must do.

Answer 6

They want you to release them from liability for any damage over and above the deposit.



If you think you can sue them for it, don't sign that.



See a solicitor first, and see if they think you can stick them for something like negligent management in allowing so much damage.



My guess is that they fear being responsible for even more than the deposit, or they wouldn't have asked for that release in the first place.

Answer 7

Definitely hush money. £550 wont cover that kind of damage, or all the stress you'll have been going through. I would take all the communications you've had from them and consult a solicitor. It appears they have not been honouring their contract with you. Don't roll over on this. I wonder how many other clients they have who are going through the same kind of scenario.

Answer 8

I wouldn't call it blackmail since they aren't threatening further damages to you dependent on your actions. I'd call it hush money. If you don't have any other disputes in the air besides the security deposit, you might as well accept their terms, and just take the money and walk away, so to speak.

Answer 9

its to cover their back, they know theyve done wrong... so they are offering you a sum of money...but in return they are stating that you do not take the matter any further... if you reply with those words if you decide to take the matter further they can infact throw out the claim as it shows that you have settled the dispute out of court



its not blackmail... its a dodgy peace offering...



they are scared...



the balls in your court now... take them to court and maybe lose (i advise you go to a solisitor for advice)



or take the money and leave it at that



x

Answer 10

Will the security deposit pay for the damage the tennent did? if it does then I would take the money and change agents! good luck

Answer 11

Keep the communication that they have sent you. Let them pay you first, since they have agreed to return your deposit, before you email them. I would go to my local Citizens Advice Bureau if I were you, and show them the letter you received.

Good luck!

Answer 12

I agree with Emma M. You are definitely in a win win situation. However if you don't want the money, you can split it between Emma and myself. lolol. Good luck.

Answer 13

Get the payment in a bank or certified check. Do not give them your account numbers.

Answer 14

They're just wanting you to shut up and forget about it. If I were you I would take legal advice before replying to their email.

Answer 15

simple answer is go to police and get advice don't be afraid it is YOUR PROPERTY AFTER ALL you never know maby agent is involved DONT PART WITH ANY MONEY TILL YOU TALK TO POLICE

Answer 16

it isnt blackmail. it is just them covering their backs legally. you could get the money and then try to sue them so this is them just covering their backs so they dont get ripped off.

Answer 17

sounds like thier running scared..they are in the wrong and no it.

Answer 18

in other words shut the f**k up and dont mention it again!

Answer 19

they are playing you..contact a lawyer and stop using this company......