Can a Lettings agent charge me for this?

frosti2k2

Hi all,

We are in the process of moving from one rented property with Dack Property Management(Portsmouth) to another rented house with Chinneck Shaw(Portsmouth).

Chinneck Shaw have phoned me today to let me know they have not been able to gain a reference from Dack, as I need to pay £11.50 for the privilege!

Are they able to charge me this? I dont remember ever being told about it.

Now they have annoyed me by trying to issue a petty charge, I also want to look into whether it is fair to levy a £50 charge to renew our tenancy in March, or levy a £50 charge for inventory/check-out. These terms are in the tenancy agreement that I signed and agreed to, but I am wondering if it is fair to offer no alternative but to pay them £50. i.e I can stay and pay them £50, or leave and still have to pay them £50.

Im not so sure this is a fair contract term.



Many thanks for any help.
Matt

Fire_Fox

Of course the letting agents can charge if you have signed an AST which specifies these sorts of administration charges. Why didn't you challenge the charges for renewal or checkout at the start of the tenancy? You don't have to renew an AST, once you get to the end of the fixed term it automatically becomes a periodic tenancy. You could challenge the amount by asking for a breakdown of what exactly you are being charged for, but at £11.50 they will just say staff time and the costs of printing and posting the reference. You might be more successful challenging the £50 renewal fee, which seems excessive for changing the dates and pressing print.

factor29

I think it is? not 100% sure

Our last house - we didnt pay anything other than £100 to move in, no fees for renewing etc. But they were useless and we've got a dispute with them at minute over getting our deposit back.

Our current house - we paid more to move in, and they charge us £15 to renew (i think - maybe more) and for references in future. But they have so far being 100 times better than previous agents, so maybe you just have to pay for the privilege?!

clutton_2

if you did not agree with the terms of the contract you should not have signed it

silvercar

Chinneck Shaw have phoned me today to let me know they have not been able to gain a reference from Dack, as I need to pay £11.50 for the privilege!

You could refuse to pay and not have a reference.