Letting agency rip-off reference fees

Paragon

I need to find a place to rent in Somerset nearish Bristol but I keep finding agencies are charging ridiculous amounts for conducting references. Palmer Snell in particular want £352.5 for refs but when I asked why they admitted it could be negotiable for the right tenant - but no guarantee. One or two places only charge £75 + VAT per person...

Can any one recommend any good agencies in the area that aren't out to rip off tenants?

Also, apart from Gumtree, Nestoria and Rightmove where can I look for properties to let?

Cheers,

P

princeofpounds

Go see houses with them, but if you want to make an offer ask the landlord to either pay the fee or deduct from the first month's rent (get agreement in writing). Might not make you that popular in the agency but ultimately the more money they take, the less the tenants can afford to pay the landlord anyway so they either pay directly or indirectly.

If you get a good deal on a property that can more than compensate for fees.

350 is excessive, even for london. Three tenants a week would pay the wages of two agents even before you get to a cut of the rent!

G_M

Paragon wrote: »

I need to find a place to rent in Somerset nearish Bristol but I keep finding agencies are charging ridiculous amounts for conducting references. Palmer Snell in particular want £352.5 for refs but when I asked why they admitted it could be negotiable for the right tenant - but no guarantee. One or two places only charge £75 + VAT per person...

Cheers,

P

Depends what you mean by 'referencing'.

To put in perspective, your namesake, Paragon Advance, offer the sort of online credit checks agencies often use on tenants: £35 - £60 depending on service. Add on agency overheads/manhours and following up traditional 'references' (letters to employer/previous landlord), and you can see how it adds up.

I'm not defending exhorbitant agency fees, just explaining.

ps - as a LL I don't use an agency or subject tenants to fees!

heartsman

I have been conned/robbed by letting agents in the past.
They dont care about the landlords property or tennants rights-they only want their fees, (similar to credit reference agencies and estate agents (their brothers).
Always look privately,get the yellow pages and look under building developers,post office/shop windows is good.
Even the local authority has a list of private landlords (housing dept)
Like estate agents/credit agencies letting agents have no watchdog,they operate at will,they do what they want when they want.
Good luck looking.

tbs624

Google the town name and LL association. Contact the NLA and/or RLA and ask for local contacts (bear in mind that some LAs may be signed up as members too) Ask if the local Council runs a voluntary LL accreditation scheme . Place your own accomm wanted ad.Try Vivastreet, letalife etc