2nd ADVICE NEEDED URGENTLY- Renting issue

propertypooch

2 months ago the agency wished to know whther we would be leaving at the end of our current contract. At the time we were in the proces of buying a house. With 1 month to go we explained the situation and they said we could go on a rolling contract at the end of our 6 month lease and to inform them when we would be moving out-which i thought was very considerate of them

Unfortunately the house fell through and we had to tell the agency that we would like to stay in the property at the end of our contract and the agency is now going to charge us £84 for the advertising they did to look for a new tenant.

My issue is this was minimum 6 weeks before we would've been potentially leaving the property or maybe more and I think it's unfair that we foot the bill for their premature actions.

Can anyone voice their opinion on whether it seems fair?

BitterAndTwisted

I think it's fair. Thousands possibly wouldn't

Procrastinator333

I would ask to see the contract that you have signed that states you are liable.

propertypooch

I'm just reading the contract now and nowhere does it state that we would be reliable

Incyder

propertypooch wrote: »

I'm just reading the contract now and nowhere does it state that we would be reliable

You said it.

sequence

It's unfair - you could leave at the end of the contract without notice, so it's unfair to charge you for advertising.

Procrastinator333

propertypooch wrote: »

I'm just reading the contract now and nowhere does it state that we would be reliable

lol, that is quite a funny spelling error!

If it ain't in the contract I would tell them to go swivel. Though I would perhaps phrase it as "If you can show me a signed contract that states I'm liable I will of course pay, until then there isnothig further to discuss"

EA's and LA's scam enough money out of people so I wouldn't feel too bad. P.s This scamming money out of people is evidenced by them trying to force you to sign up for a new contract you don't need.

MrHippo

I can't see why the agency was advertising the property at all. The OP didn't say they would be moving out at the end of their contract and then change their mind. It was agreed that they'd go onto a rolling contract.

Jenniefour

I would pay it - for the sake of keeping the goodwill. They thought you were leaving, you thought you were leaving. Even if there were to be no viewings until you left the LL/EA's had the right to advertise a property about to be vacated. And they did offer to put you on a rolling contract if you hadn't completed your purchase by then. Unfortunately, your purchase has since fallen through but, in effect, you gave notice, they gave you some useful leeway to accomodate your move, if you needed it, and you're continuing your tenancy for the present. Presumably you're on a rolling contract now which will suit you if you still intend to buy. So I don't believe the charge is unreasonable. In your shoes I wouldn't want to put myself into a postion where they give you notice to leave under the rolling contract, where you would have to go to the bother of finding a short term rental again which fits with your plans to buy. If you're still intending to buy then having the flexibility that the LL has agreed to will be helpful - who wants to buy and still have four months rent left to pay. Pay up, don't shoot yourselves in the foot !

DVardysShadow

propertypooch did you actually give notice? Or did you give a general statement of you intentions and agree that you would give notice closer to the date? If you never actually gave notice, then I don't see that the money is due.

Procrastinator333

Jenniefour wrote: »

I would pay it - for the sake of keeping the goodwill. They thought you were leaving, you thought you were leaving. Even if there were to be no viewings until you left any LL/EA's had the right to advertise a property about to be vacated. And they did offer to put you on a rolling contract if you hadn't completed your purchase by then. Unfortunately, your purchase has since fallen though but, in effect, you gave notice, they gave you some useful leeway and you're continuing your tenancy for the present. Presumably you're on a rolling contract now which will suit you if you still intend to buy. So I don't believe the charge is unreasonable. In your shoes I wouldn't want to put myself into a postion where they give you notice to leave under the rolling contract, where you would have to go to the bother of finding a short term rental again which fits with your plans to buy. If you're still intending to buy then having the flexibility that the LL has agreed to will be helpful - who wants to buy and still have four months rent left to pay. Pay up, don't shoot yourselves in the foot !

Couldn't disagree more!

They are trying to scam her in to paying fees to sign up to another tenancy. Why feel any guilt over this?! Do you tip a waiter if he is rude and spills food over you? No.

You are also confusing the LA with the LL. Just because you are going to annoy the LA by not signing a new agreement and not paying this stupid fee doesn't mean the LL will care less. If the tenant is paying rent on time and looking after the place the LL will not care one jot about the LA.

If you need the security of a 6 month contract, or 12 month contract, then sign the contract first and then tell them no on the advertising costs. I just wouldn't bother though, what LL throws out a decent tenant? Only one who wants the place back to live in or sell, and if they want that they wouldn't be asking you to sign a new contract anyway.