Letting agents want money to keep our bond protected

mrmichaelf

The bond in our house is in a protected scheme. Today we got a letter, saying that if we want our bond to stay protected we have to pay them £15.

Doesn't say why.
Can they do this?

robpw2

mrmichaelf wrote: »

The bond in our house is in a protected scheme. Today we got a letter, saying that if we want our bond to stay protected we have to pay them £15.

Doesn't say why.
Can they do this?

so if you do not pay them £15 they intend to break the law ....

mrmichaelf

I've just given them a quick call and its something to do with the rising costs of keeping the bond protected. They are passing this cost onto the tennant?!

robpw2

mrmichaelf wrote: »

I've just given them a quick call and its something to do with the rising costs of keeping the bond protected. They are passing this cost onto the tennant?!

im sure the landlord should be paying not you- i cannot see how they can justify charging you for something they have a legal obligation - i would contact shelter to ask but im sure it shouldnt be you paying

mrmichaelf

Thats what I said. They've told me they are being charged £15 a year as letting agents for every bond they have protected. They can't afford to do this, so if we want our bond protecting we have to pay them £15 every year.

robpw2

mrmichaelf wrote: »

Thats what I said. They've told me they are being charged £15 a year as letting agents for every bond they have protected. They can't afford to do this, so if we want our bond protecting we have to pay them £15 every year.

it' is not a choice of do you want your bond protecting or not - it is a legal obligation for your bond to be protected they are trying it on

robpw2

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/tenancy_deposits/deposit_protection_schemes

mrmichaelf

Thanks. Giving Shelter a call now. Reading up, I'm thinking they could be in a bit of trouble if they are charging all their tennants £15.

Mum_of_3_3

Don't pay the £15, let them keep your deposit unprotected, then sue for 3x the amount. :j

This seems crazy, it's in their interest to keep the deposit protected, not yours, so why they are asking you to pay is nuts.

M_o_3

mrmichaelf

We've had so many problems with our agents (i have posted in another thread about them). They had already threatened to ask us to move out because we persisted with wanting repairs carried out. We got this resolved, but I now fear another confrontation should we not give in to their demands and pay.
I don't see legally how they can do it. They let out over 400 homes in our area. Thats alot of people.

I'm trying to get through to Shelter, but it says they are busy and it just cuts me off. I know its only £15, but thats not the point. They shouldnt be doing it.

robpw2

Do not pay them anything till you seek advice - they cannot remove you for seeking repairs to get carried out.

they cannot do anything now untill tuesday it being bank holiday on monday so if i were you enjoy your weekend and call shelter on tuesday