MADA Properties

Does anyone have experience with MADA Properties in London?

I put down a holding deposit for a short-term rental in a refurbished flat through one of their agents ("negotiators" acc to the application) and missed the appt to check in and collect the keys, etc. because of a delayed flight from Italy. I have tried to contact them via email, text and phone (I have only a mobile number, no office number) but nobody replies or even confirms that messages have been received. I found their room listing on spareroom.co.uk, which has since been removed.

Scam?

Who could I complain to about this?

How did you make the deposit? Can you speak to the bank or the credit card company?

It was in cash. I have a receipt plus a copy of the application.

These are the only forums I see where MADA Rentals is mentioned, so I'll write here.

I moved out almost a month ago from my last flat let by MADA Rentals and I still haven't received my deposit back.
About 5 days after I moved out I asked about it, and they sent me a text saying that I shouldn't worry and that the wiring should go through in 10 days (with a smiley face).
So I haven't received my 300 pound deposit back (the deposit is only 300 pounds in the summer) and I've sent 3 emails in the past few days and I haven't received any replies!

Strange to me that the contract is fairly well planned and they have an office in the middle of the city near Oxford Circus with a seemingly legitimate business with several agents in the office and a London Tube Map with pins to help them keep track of which properties they manage and where.

So currently it is to my knowledge that you will get to live in the flat as per the contract, but they will screw you over with deposit.

I will amend this forum post if the agency decides to reply to my emails and return my deposit to me.

Anyone else with problems with this agency please don't hesitate to pm me to discuss strategies on how to get our money back!

Avoid like the plague. Very dodgy agency. If you want anything done, threaten with legal action, police, etc. They don't care otherwise.
Also read through this newcomer link: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/housing_e/housing_renting_a_home_e/common_problems_with_renting.htm [nonactive]

Fingers crossed for getting your deposit back!