All of the answers above seemed to be not "caring".
Even it is the middlemen's right to keep money, it is still your sole right to ask for reimbursement of the same since there was no actual/ physical consumption of the premises here, and therefore there is no consummation of the contract. The middlemen has the right to keep the money if you continue to rent such flat/ villa, but it wasn't.
You are in good faith while you said that you cannot rent for some valid reasons and such, he is obliged to return the money.
If he still refuses to return your money, you can seek the advise/ help of the police for this matter.
All of the answers above seemed to be not "caring".
Even it is the middlemen's right to keep money, it is still your sole right to ask for reimbursement of the same since there was no actual/ physical consumption of the premises here, and therefore there is no consummation of the contract. The middlemen has the right to keep the money if you continue to rent such flat/ villa, but it wasn't.
You are in good faith while you said that you cannot rent for some valid reasons and such, he is obliged to return the money.
If he still refuses to return your money, you can seek the advise/ help of the police for this matter.
Goodluck!!!