Renewal Fees

tmc20

Hi Guys,

Just a quick one.

I've been issued a letter by my letting agent about signing a new fixed term contract. I know I can move onto a rolling contract if I want, which is what I intend to do, however I wanted to check out the legality of what they are doing, as it seems a bit unfair for people who do not know as much about renting.

Got a letter saying please return the following slip within 5 days:

- I will be signing a new contract (£75) for a further 6 months
- I will not be signing and will be vacating the property at the end of this agreement

There was absolutely seemingly no option not to sign up and pay them. Is this something that should be reported?

Thanks

Benji

It is not 'illegal' as such - though you are right, it implies there is no other choice. The thing is, once you are 18 the law expects you to know the law - or at least the bits you come into contact with. It's the same as 'ignorance is no defence'.

I might go so far as admitting it is immoral - but it is pretty standard practice.

tmc20

Thanks for the help.

As I said, I have no intention of paying the money, but it certainly doesn't improve my view of letting agents! I didn't know if there were any best-practice rules with letting agents...

Benji

tmc20 wrote: »

Thanks for the help.

As I said, I have no intention of paying the money, but it certainly doesn't improve my view of letting agents! I didn't know if there were any best-practice rules with letting agents...

Haa Haa!

A letting agent requires neither experience nor qualification to set up shop. Today tmc20 - tomorrow "tmc20 properties"

DVardysShadow

tmc20 wrote: »

... Got a letter saying please return the following slip within 5 days:

- I will be signing a new contract (£75) for a further 6 months
- I will not be signing and will be vacating the property at the end of this agreement

There was absolutely seemingly no option not to sign up and pay them. Is this something that should be reported?

They have handed you an excuse on a plate: Sorry, I am not returning it, it does not contain the option I want.

Werdnal

I would write them a polite letter (verbal agreements tend to get forgotten or changed at a later date).

Copy this to the LL if you have their address.

Thank them for the oppportunity to renew, but tell them you wish to take the third option, ie to allow the tenancy to become statutory periodic, and will therefore be continuing your tenancy on those terms after the expiry of your current fixed term.


Bear in mind though, that this arrangement works both ways, so LL can give you 2 months notice on an SPT.

G_M

Werdnal's 'polite letter' is a good idea - but to the wrong recipient. You rent your home from your landlord. He owns the property. He receives the rent (well, after the agent has taken their %!).

So write to him. Do not even refer to the agent's letter. Just say that as you are aware your fixed term is coming to an end, you would like to let him know you have no plans to leave, you hope the LL is happy with the tenancy continuing, and you would like the current agreement to simply continue on a Periodic basis.

send a copy to the agent.