Private landlords and tenants dealing with Farrells sales and letting agents in Hove, East Sussex have been let down by the agency that has aparantly closed down without any previous notice to its customers.

Other letting agents in the area also seem to have little idea as to what has happened to Farrells which is based on Goldstone Villas's in the town. Mr Hugh Tucknot, chairman of Brighton and Hove Estate Agents Association, said; "I'm as much in the dark about it as anyone else.

"There are likely to be vendors, buyers and landlords out there who have been left somewhat in the lurch."

While refusing to speculate directly, Mr Tucknott added that estate agents which went bust were subject to the same rules as any other company in terms of going into administration.

He said: "They are just the same as any other firm. It is normal for a sign to be put up either in a window or website telling customers and giving them a number of the administrator to contact."

Tenants have reportedly being trying to contact the letting agent however calls are left unanswered with no recorded information providing an explanation of what has happened to the company or direction to tenants and vendors regarding alternative contact details.