Forgot to Cancel direct debit?

[FutureM]

Hi all,

I didn't realise that I had to cancel my Direct Debit payments for the property i used to rent, the landlord has taken money for this month but i no longer live there.

He wont return my calls or answer his phone. I was just wondering if because it was a direct debit payment there is any reasons he should be able to keep my money even without providing the service its intended to pay for?

Needless to say I am not happy! I have rent to pay on my current house!

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

 

[Billmccallum]

Hi all,

I didn't realise that I had to cancel my Direct Debit payments for the property i used to rent, the landlord has taken money for this month but i no longer live there.

He wont return my calls or answer his phone. I was just wondering if because it was a direct debit payment there is any reasons he should be able to keep my money even without providing the service its intended to pay for?

Needless to say I am not happy! I have rent to pay on my current house!

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

Direct Debit Guarantee - If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, contact your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund.

 

[FutureM]

Sorry, it was a Standing Order, I must come accross quite stupid.

I cant remember setting it up i think i signed something for my landlord to set it up

I have cancelled any further payments, spoke to the bank and they just told me to ask my landlord to refund me.

 

[bovine]

As its a standing order, the DD guarantee doesnt apply. In effect you sent the money rather than them taking it.

Unfortunately you need ot get in touch with the landlord and get them to send you back the money. If he doesnt comply, you need to send a letter before action then initiate a claim against them. Hopefully it wont come to that and he coughs up with little hassle, but if he wants to be a pain, it could take some time to sort out.

In the first instance, if you cannot get hold by phone, write a letter/email.

 

[andygambles]

Standing Order is like giving cash. Contact the landlord is first step. Write to him/her asking for it back in 7 days. If no response alternative is small claims court.

However don't be too arsey as it was your error to send the money.

 

[arcon5]

The LL cannot setup a standing order from your account, only you the account holder can. If the LL had you sign something and set it up himself it will be a direct debit & the form signed a direct debit mandate.

 

[kulture]

The LL cannot setup a standing order from your account, only you the account holder can. If the LL had you sign something and set it up himself it will be a direct debit & the form signed a direct debit mandate.

There is nothing stopping a LL (or indeed anyone else) getting you to fill in a standing order application, you sign it and then they send it in to the bank on your behalf. All they are doing is posting your application to your bank. The reason why they would do it, is because they then know its done.

 

[FutureM]

Thanks for all the info.

I will try and call him again today if nothing i will send a letter and take it from there.

I don't intend to be arsey with him, i know this was my error, although we didn't end on great terms; he is a very awkward person to deal with as soon as you hand in your notice.

 

[COA_INC]

I would expect that a simple demand letter requesting the money to be returned in full within 7 days would suffice. It would be a shame that your ex-Landlord would attempt to keep your funds.