Rental Real Estate Agent won't refund my money and ghost me.

[Noyessie Hubert]

Hi All,

I have a rental in Irvington, and an agent approached me to help me rent it. No exclusivity. So, if I rent before him, he gets nothing.

A few days after I sign the document, he finds someone. On paper, the person seemed okay, but I had the feeling she wouldn't commit to the property. With his advice, we moved forward. Here is where the scheme starts:

1. He told me that people kept asking about the property, and he wants me to sign the lease so he can remove it. The tenant just paid an advance on her security deposit $1000. I clearly explained to him that until the tenant pays all, she is not my tenant. 

2. On the tenant side, he explained that the $1000 was just to hold the property, and the lease was not final. He never told me that, and I learn that later on when the tenant decided to no longer move in.

3. The tenant pays up to $3500,  $1250 remaining. He asked me to pay him for his first month. I told him no, until the tenant moves in, I'm not considering that a tenant.

4. He kept pressuring me, and I finally gave in ( my biggest mistake )

5. After paying him his first month $1900. He sent me a release form to sign. I outright refuse to sign him and was mad that why does he asks me to sign that when we clearly agreed that we are waiting to see if the tenant moves in (another mistake, I never put that in writing )

6. The tenant no longer wants to move in. I learn about all his deceptive practices at that time and decided to work something out with the tenant.

7. I ask him to relist the property, and he agrees. Fast forward 2 weeks, and I have 2 tenants that I have found and have applied to. I kept them waiting, expecting to have more tenants from him. When I call, He informs me that he never listed the property and will list it that week. I inform him that I have already found someone, and we have to discuss how he will return my fees.

I was okay to work something out with him because he had at least put in the effort. Now he is ghosting me. Not replying to my message or call.

Based on your extended experience, is that how it works in this industry? 

Is there something I could have done better? 

Is there still a way to get my money back ?

Thanks in advance for your help.