Trouble getting deposit refund

[Fatelvis]

Hi All,

Wonder if you might give some advice on where to go next with this.

I looked at an apartment in TST before Christmas, and it was just right for my needs. It was being renovated quite extensively but the agent seemed helpful and genuine and explained that the place would be ready by the time I got back to HK from a break in England.

To secure the place I put down half the deposit required and signed a contract, which stipulated that I would be refunded if the Owner decided not to rent the place. After a delay in the renovations I was told the Owner was no longer interested in renting.

This wasn't a problem for me, as I was prepared for a let down at this point and ready to find something else. However since then my agent has repeatedly promised to pay the depoit into my account but failed to do so.

I'm hoping there's a way round this without having to go to a Tribunal or whatever the process here is. I would go round and speak directly to the agent but she is in China apparently. I called the branch of Circle Realty where she works and they confirmed she was still with the company.

Thanks.

[carang]

forget the individual agent... ask for the manager of the agency. it's not like she personally holds the money...

[Fatelvis]

I'll go down there after CNY, there only seem to be 4 people in a very tiny office so we'll see. Thanks.

[bookblogger]

I would go round and speak directly to the agent but she is in China apparently.

I would take that with a pinch of salt as well.

[carang]

i would just nicely say, "it's ok, i'll wait..." then pull out a book and sit all day..then go the next day... if perhaps the money's not forthcoming, i would ask if it would be faster if i made a theft report to the police... and then call the police and ask them to come to the shop so that you can "make a theft report"...that should get them moving...

[PDLM]

Consider also talking to the Estate Agents Authority.

[longbeard]

Report the agent to the Estate Agent Authority so his/her license will be revoked. It would be better to report to the police as well since the property agent will have a record and it is easier to add in the complaint regarding the refund.

[baby_doll]

Report the agent to the Estate Agent Authority so his/her license will be revoked. It would be better to report to the police as well since the property agent will have a record and it is easier to add in the complaint regarding the refund.

I was in a similar situation. Gave them one month's grace but still no action from them.
I informed the real estate agent that I would lodge a complaint with the Estate Agent Authority if the issue was not settled within 24 hrs. Have you kept the agents business card with his licence no. ?
If you know who the manager is, you should also speak to the manager and inform him of the same.
They quickly got back to me explaining that the the refund needs to be approved by their "Financial Manager" of the real estate company and that it will take some time.
I explained to them that a reasonable amount of time had alreacy been given to them, and if the $$ was not transferred to my bank account within 24 hrs, I would go ahead with contacting the authority.
The $$ was in my bank account the next day.

[Fatelvis]

Thanks for all replies, much appreciated. I think a visit on Monday morning is required (I work at night so should be in a suitably irritable mood at that time) And if no joy there and then. I have some ideas to fall back on.

I have her business card and receipts, contract etc.. (Her phone is now being diverted to her "brother") and she is back in China apparently.

Let you know once I resolve this.

[Fatelvis]

Quick Update.

Finally got the deposit back after 6 weeks.

A local friend of mine got on the phone and had some strong words with the agent, her brother, boss and anyone else associated. Money was transferred in an hour!

It seems as though, she may have done this to others though. I'm not sure of the details of the scam (if indeed it is one). But will pass on if it turns out to be something to watch out for.

The Agency think there may be other clients (more liklely Western) who are in the same position and they are looking into it. You see a flat, pay deposit, then are told the owner no longer wishes to rent it. Not much of a trick from what I can see, bit obvious, but perhaps they think you will be worn down and give up.

Thanks All