Here is a rather brief but intriguing question to the Blog Clinic from Jennifer (not her real name):
Once the Tenancy agreement has been signed and the deposit and rent has been paid what do you do if the agent refuses to give you the keys?
Well Jennifer, it will to a large extend depend on WHY they are withholding the keys. For example if there is a hitch and the previous tenants have failed to move out, they will have no alternative. They may have to get a court order for possession which will mean that you will not be able to move in for some time.
Or maybe they are just waiting for your cheque to clear.
I think the first thing to do is to find out from them why they are doing this. If they refuse to tell you, then I suppose threatening them with legal proceedings, complaint to ARLA or the Property Ombudsman (if they are members) etc. A complaint to the Trading Standards office could also be made.
Once you know why the keys are being withheld you will know how to deal with the problem.