Possible Rental Fraud

I live in a lowrise walkup in the Midlevels. Halfway through my tenancy, my entire apartment block was sold to a company and I received a solictor's letter from my old landlord, telling me that going forward I would need to contact another set of people (names and numbers were provided).


I contacted the people as told, and found that they were not the company now ownng the building, but a management company (Mgt Co 1) claiming to act for the company. The representative informed me that I should pay my rent to them instead and accordingly I set up a standing instruction for monthly payments.


Today (several months later), I received another lawyer's letter claiming to act for the new landlord stating that I owed $95000 in rent from February as I hadn't paid for 5 months. The letter now stated that another realty agent (Mgt Co2) was in fact acting for the new landlords.


I have no idea how to investigate what has happened here, and how I can ascertain the validity of each of the purported letters from various solicitors claiming to act for the new owners. The letters were photocopied and I have no way of knowing who is telling the truth.


Secondly, how can I investigate whether Mgt Co1 is in fact illegitimate and has been defrauding me of my money.


Next, how would I get my money back and how to find out that Mgt Co2 is legitimate and whether I should pay money to them instead.


Really appreciate some advice as I don't know what to do.


Thanks and regards

Kathy

You could just ask them to explain by conferencing all on the same call (all three parties, old landlord's lawyer, Mgt Co 1 & 2), i.e. has someone has my money and I am calling the police immediately after this call unless you guys clarify in writing today that all is fine with my money paid.


But for $95k you just simply get your own lawyer and then confirm whether to call the police. Good luck. Resolve it quickly, and if not 100% sure stop that autopay!!!!

you might also want to check the land registry to find out who really owns the place now...

Hi everyone, good news. It seems I overreacted unnecesarily. I took eveyrone's advice and contacted the relevant parties including the lawyers, only to be told there was some bizarre joint-management going on and it was ok that I paid Mgt Co1, except that Mgt Co2 didn't know and billed me for what they thought was unpaid rent.


The lawyers have confirmed the arrangement and who I need to be contacting going forward.


Thanks to everyone who replied. Phew!

That's lucky! Sounds like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing... hehehe

Exactly!