Estate Agent contract

Raycooke

Sorry if this has been covered previously.
We put our house on the market last August (forlorn hope). The contract with the Agent was a 'Sole selling agreement' for 16 weeks. The 16 weeks has elapsed with no viewing etc etc. We have since decided to relaunch with a different agent and informed our previous agent yesterday. They have sent a bill for £200 for removing from market. I know it's difficult to comment without seeing the contract - but the way I read it this is a 16 week contract and as such has now expired - can they charge me outside the 16 weeks?

I wonder has anyone been in a similar situation?

princessamy86

They should have informed you in writing at the time of your contract if they were going to charge you a withdrawal fee. Some agents do charge this, but check your contract very carefully as it should be in there.

naijapower

Yes, you should check your contract carefully. It ought to be there or perhaps should i say it may be there

Raycooke

Thanks Princess,

It does state that a fee would be due - but to me it refers to the period of contract of 16 weeks.

princessamy86

It's a bit of a tricky one, but I would suspect that by them continuing with the marketing of your property in this period then you do have some sort of contract. For example, even though a contract may run out after 20 weeks, I still require 2 weeks written notice to withdraw the property. I think unless it expressly states what period it applies to, then it would be assumed to run for the period of your agreement to let them market your property (somebody may be along to correct me here though). Could you possibly post the exact wording of the clause up here? People will probably be able to help better then. Also, might be worth giving the old EA a call, be nice!, just say that as far as you were aware the withdrawal fee only ran for the length of the contract. You never know, they might just be trying it on.