Is my letting agent trying to fleece me?

BitterAndTwisted

You said OK. That was your first mistake. Don't make a second by committing yourselves to another six month tenancy if you don't want to be responsible for paying the full six months rent.

They could have added your wife as a permitted occupier. Needless to say that would have attracted a fee as well.

ispookie666

Thanx for your reply. Just confirming -- Is it possible to add my wife without signing up for another 6months AST.

Property_Auctions

I'm with the agent on this one. They are employed by the owner to ensure their property is being occupied by trustworthy tenants.

Referencing is not just a credit check. Previous tenancies are also checked as well as liaising with employers to ensure that the tenant(s) are a good risk. Yep, the checks will not cost £150 - but the agent is within their rights to add their own charge for the extra time and work it takes for them.

The OP state he rented the house for himself which is fair enough, but surely it stands to reason that if an ex partner moves in she will have also to be checked to safeguard the owner?

The children should be covered under the immediate family clause in the contract but that wouldn't include an ex who has now moved in and they should be referenced accordingly.

tbs624

Property_Auctions wrote: »

I'm with the agent on this one.

even to the extent that they erroneously state "it's the law"?

Property_Auctions wrote: »

IThe OP state he rented the house for himself which is fair enough, but surely it stands to reason that if an ex partner moves in she will have also to be checked to safeguard the owner?

I would say that there is little point in making a non-working parent take on J&SL for rent payments.

If the missus/ex missus is simply added as a Permitted Occupier then the T can be held responsible for her actions/omissions.

Property_Auctions

tbs624 wrote: »

even to the extent that they erroneously state "it's the law"?

I would say that there is little point in making a non-working parent take on J&SL for rent payments.

If the missus/ex missus is simply added as a Permitted Occupier then the T can be held responsible for her actions/omissions.

All depends on exactly how the contract is worded. If the OP's ex is contravening the terms of the contract then the landlord/agent would have a good case if it ever went as far as court - I am sure it won't get that far though.

I think the agent has a duty to fully reference any adult occupant. It will be them in the firing line if any problems occur.

missyp123

my husband is the main person on the tenancy as he at the time was the only one that worked.
Myself and our daughter are noted as occupiers and i had to sign a seperate sheet of paper saying i will leave as and when he ends the tenancy.

The only fees were for his referencing alone.

Have you asked them to talk to the LL aout this, i have a feeling it is them trying to get money out of you.

cooltt

OP
Point 1. Your TA clearly states you can have your immediate family living with you so their argument is non existent just ignore them from now on.

Point 2. When they realise they have been rumbled after you read back the relevant clause in the TA, write to the LL explaining the situation before
the LA get there first and inform them how terrible a tennant you are etc..Yes they really do this if they can't get their own way.

Point 3. Alot of shamefull advise on here from LA's and the like taliking complete rubbish to protect their interests.

Property_Auctions

cooltt wrote: »

OP
Point 1. Your TA clearly states you can have your immediate family living with you so their argument is non existent just ignore them from now on.

Point 2. When they realise they have been rumbled after you read back the relevant clause in the TA, write to the LL explaining the situation before
the LA get there first and inform them how terrible a tennant you are etc..Yes they really do this if they can't get their own way.

Point 3. Alot of shamefull advise on here from LA's and the like taliking complete rubbish to protect their interests.

Would you like to clarify point 3 please? What complete rubbish has been spoken?

cooltt

Property_Auctions wrote: »

Would you like to clarify point 3 please? What complete rubbish has been spoken?

Isn't it really strange how only you have issue with my comments well maybe you can work out who talking rubbish for your self then?

Property_Auctions

cooltt wrote: »

Isn't it really strange how only you have issue with my comments well maybe you can work out who talking rubbish for your self then?

These forums have the benefit of expressing different opinions which hopefully is beneficial for the OP.

If you don't agree with them, then that's fine - but please be a little more constructive in your comments.