A rent-to-rent middleman who apparently vanished with tenants’ deposits has vowed to pay back every penny he owes.
Daniel Burton ran subletting agency Unida Place but last week the Guardian reported on how he’d apparently shut up shop and left an unknown number of tenants without deposit money owed to them.
Many took to the internet to voice their frustrations and told how they’d gone to Burton’s offices in Charlotte Street, London, to ask for their money in person only to find the business had moved out.
After the newspaper’s investigation Burton came forward and made a statement. On UnidaPlace.com he wrote:
“Firstly, I have not disappeared, ran off into the sunset with millions of pounds despite some sensationalistic journalism. I am currently working 80-90 hours per week in order to pay back every penny to my creditors.
“Unfortunately, I have made some bad business decisions during the growth of my company. I was young, naive, and took my eyes of the ball. I trusted staff when I shouldn’t have and was slow to react to certain situations. I overtraded and was guilty of burying my head in the sand for which I apologise and I am trying my very best to make amends.
“I am holding my hands up and taking full responsibility for mine and my staff’s actions. Over the next 10-14 days I will be contacting every single person I owe money too and explaining what I intend to do. I can’t say exactly when I will be able to pay everyone back but I have already paid over £30,000 back and I personally guarantee everyone will be paid back. I am working all the hours I possibly can to do this and for all you people that think I’m living in the lap of luxury I’m driving a 53-plate Transit van, I have sold all my assets and I’m taking minimum wage so I can pay back as much as I can, as quickly as possible. I’m not asking for praise or compliments but just letting you all know what my intentions are and that they are honourable.
“I wholeheartedly apologise for mine and my staff’s actions and please believe me when I say I am trying my best to put right the wrongs.
“I also apologise for bringing negativity on the landlord community, I only hope I can make things right as quick as possible. Dan.”
Comments
Anyone know of any similar case where the culprit failed to promise to repay every penny - and did so?!!
The road to hell is paved with good intentions