advise needed
We have been living in a compound of 8 villas for the last 14 months where all the tenants have paid 24 months rent upfront (Qr. 216000 i.e. @ 9000 per month) to the agent of the owner of the compound. Our agreement is with the agent and the same has another contract with the owner.
It has so happened that the agent never paid the owner anything and so that owner filed a case against the agent and subsequently won, thus giving him the right to vacate all the tenants from the compound. After negotiation, the owner has agreed to let us stay on, but with a new contract directly with him for an extended amount, with payments on a monthly basis.
However this is only a small part of the problem. When we went to the agent, he agreed that they have lost the case and we would have to abide to the court notice as our contract with the agent is now void. But when it came to returning the remaining money (Qr. 90000 for 10 remaining months), he said that they will pay is back but cannot pay it upfront and will give it in a “few” installments. When we disputed the concept, the agent’s lawyer told us, “if you don’t trust us, we will not give you anything …file a case against us”.
We are really worried about this now as there is an uneasy feeling that he will not return the money (unless we go to court). Though carrying out a civil case with the agent would be very difficult for us to do, this seems like the only way out.
I just wanted to know what is the solution to this and is it advisable to take the agent to court? How much will it approx cost, what are the chances of winning, and how long will it take. Are there any more similar experiences and how was it resolved?
Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
"all the tenants have paid 24 months rent upfront" - WOW!
Well, that is a possibility but your case seems so clear-cut and the agent already has a judgment against him. Good luck!
Mandi
And it's not only me....its the same story will all the other 7 tenants.
There should be proper/just/quick resolution of such cases rather than making us run around from pillar to post.
We are all worried that we are expatriates and the agent is a local (and you know how things go in favor of them in such circumstances). my worry is that he would file for Bankruptcy and get away with it.
I certainly understand your reluctance to trust this dishonest agent! You could do a bit of a wait-and-see to find out if he will pay you the back amount owed. That wouldn't hurt your subsequent court case should you decide to file one. Ask him to provide you with a firm re-payment date and number of "installments" and tell him you will go to court if he doesn't meet that date. I might think it would help your case if you showed you had given him every chance to make this right.
Mandi
and shoot that bastard! Lol!!! Really bad dealing with agent!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Looks quite complicated and frustrating that the agent is denying to give you your own money. Not sure....but i eprosnally feel, if the matter is taken to the court, it shall be resolved instantly rather than running being this agent....What say?