Tenancy Extention Charges..

whispywillow

Hi guys, wondering if you might have any feedback on a charge that i've just been landed with!

Im renting a house at the moment, and i've just received a letter from my letting agents saying that my tenancy has been extended *hurrah!* however 'if i wish to accept my landlords proposal a payment of £125.00 (inc VAT) is required to cover the cost of extending your tenancy) !!! Guys, does this not seem excessive!? Do any of you know if i can haggle with them to ask them to bring the cost down? Or anything else that might help?

A bit of background info on me, i am currently unable to work due to a long term health condition, and am receiving benefits, also have a 2 year old son.

Any input would be marvellous! xx

BitterAndTwisted

There is a similar enquiry on the first page so I suggest you read it to save yourself some time and effort:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2929336

DVardysShadow

Search these forums for 'statutory periodic tenancy'. Essentially, once you are out of your fixed term, your tenancy can continue on a month by month basis with all terms intact. Neither you nor the Landlord has to do anything. If you want a new fixed term for security, then you will need to sign, but I would suggest that you contact the landlord. He may not really want a fee from you and the agent may be charging him for a new agreement and trousering both payments. A true admin cost for extending an agreement would be under £20. [Waits for agent to contradict]

whispywillow

Oooops, sorry B&T, i did do a forum search for 'tenancy renewal charges' but nothing came up, didn't mean to go posting something that wasn't necessary!! I shall have a lookie now!

whispywillow

Ok, ive had a look at that, and as far as i can see most people are saying that either a) you can go on a rolling contract or b) to just pay/not pay! Im confused!! I cant go on a rolling contract, i had that with my last landlord (who was also my first landlord as i lived with my mum before that) and i was put on a rolling contract and was promptly kicked out when i kept asking them to fix my broken (very very leaky) roof! I need the security what with my having a young son. But i can't afford £125, thats a massive wedge out of my benefits!! Can i contest the fee?

tbs624

Speak direct to the LL - tell him you are happy to offer the security of him having you there for a new Fixed Term but that you would like him to get the LA to waive the fee. Many LLs have no idea that they are at risk of losing a reliable T because of the LAs greed. The LA may also be trying to charge the LL a similar amount, despite the fact that they get a running commission.

KittyLady

The rental we just left charged £60 every six months to renew the six month term, we paid it once, but then didn't again and went onto a rolling contract for a year. I'd speak to the landlord and explain the charges are out of your budget, maybe arrange a pay half now, pay half in six months if they won't budge.

tomitma

The Landlord also has to pay a charge, it usually costs him the same amount as you, if you have been a good tenant up until now, it may be better to go straight to the Landlord and ask him to drop the agent, you will both benefit from this. The landlord will also gain some extra money because he wont have to pay a commission every month.

whispywillow

Thanks for your responses guys, im gonna ring the LA's and ask them for my landlords number (i've had it before but i lost it!!) and then see if i can sort something out with him. Dont think im gonna ask him to remove himself from the letting agents, he's a terror to get hold of at the best of times! Hopefully he will ask the LA's to drop or at least reduce the charges, cos its just so much more than i can afford!!

whispywillow

Just thought i'd post the results of what happened with my landlord regarding this! Basically I got them down to £95 for the extention charges, which was no mean feat! I tried to get them to change it to a 2 year contract with a 12 month break clause, but they were having none of it so I had to admit defeat on that score! But still, money off is still something!
Im currently at odds with them again over something different, because now they are trying to change the terms of the agreement after its already be paid for and signed, but im hoping to see someone at the CBA over that, just being able to get there in time for them to see me is a problem as all the services in Liverpool have been reduced

Thanks again for your help though guys! xx