In September 2000 I rented a property in the Borough of Greenwich at 7 Clevely Close, SE7 8DP from a lettings company called IPM of Woolwich. After handing over 6 months rent (in lieu of references) plus deposit in advance the lettings company disappeared.

The company ignored my request for a written contract and for the name and address of the property's owner, both of which it had a legal obligation to provide.

The property was in a filthy state when we took possession, the front door lock was broken, and the shower was not functioning. For the entire rental period I was unable to get any repairs carried out. Additionally following an attempted entry by an estate agent acting on behalf of the owner I had to get another door lock changed for security reasons.

After leaving the property at the end of the rental period I have been unable to obtain a refund of my deposit or reimbursement for expenses I was forced to pay for essential repairs.

While living at the property I visited the Housing Advice Centre in Woolwich where a Roger Barton obtained a name and address for the property's owner (Rami Lipman of 41 Parkway, Thamesmead, Kent). Unfortunately no attempt to contact the owner was successful and the Post Office was unable to deliver my request for repayment of the money owed to the address Mr Barton gave me.

For some unknown reason the Housing Advice Centre, the Trading Standards Department and the Environmental Health Office all failed to prosecute the company and individual concerned despite the fact they had clearly broken the law by not providing the information requested or taking responsibility for the outstanding repairs.

I attempted to obtain a name and address for the property owner from Greenwich Council, but the Council would not release this information.

Representations to my Member of Parliament, Roger Gale, and the Local Government Ombudsman have all failed to obtain any recompense.

I am therefore left out of pocket to the tune of some £750 through absolutely no fault of my own and have received no assistance from the system in seeking to obtain redress for this injustice.