Letting Agent Fees - Tenants

Polly_Pod

Morning all

We are doing a bit of research as when we have sold our house we will rent (we are in the process of emigrating) and we have noticed that some LA charge a fortune to check your references...... why???? Is there any way round this? Surely if we provide references from our employers & proof of income etc they shouldn't need to charge us anything..... what is the bond for nowadays if not for security???

thanks

[Deleted User]

Perhaps shouldn't but will charge. Try going direct through the landlords mostly they will just ask for 1st months rent and deposit upfront. If you really need to go through a lettings agent shop around, I am currently flat hunting and the difference in charges is incredible, ranging from £100 per person to a one off £50 fee for the property regardless of how many people are letting. Always best to check first.

robpitt

Sadly it's become common practice for lettings agents to charge tennants several hundred pounds in inexorbitant reference and administration fees; all this despite them charging the landlord as well.

Still some are cheaper than others though so be sure to ask each for a breakdown of their fees; also tell them fees are a factor for you, if you know another agent has lower fees - tell them.

estelle123

I have found that a lot of agents are charging up to 300.00 for their sevices.
Maybe we should name and shame.

GrammarGirl

There are some really extortionate LA fees around. We've just signed for a new rental and were charged £100 for referencing for the both of us, which we haggled down from £150. 2 weeks ago we put an application in for somewhere else but had to withdraw because of the fees - £150 referencing, £200 application fee (to reserve the property!) as well as one month's rent up front and the deposit, which was a month and a half's rent. It came to nearly £1,500 up front and we just could not afford to pay it. Luckily we found somewhere better and so far have only paid the £100, we'll pay the deposit (one month's rent, how it should be!) and the first month's rent on the day we move in. MUCH better!