Is my letting agent trying to fleece me?

markmcalear

Property_Auctions wrote: »

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.

I found his/her comments to be constructive. Your answer just further highllights the fact that the only people who think this is reasonable are letting agents who profit from doing this. Would they be so eager if they had to do referencing for free? I think not.

G_M

OK - so we all agree that different views/opinions can be and are expressed here. And posters seeking advice have to decide which to go with and which to ignore.

But statements like "Point 3. Alot of shamefull advise on here from LA's and the like taliking complete rubbish to protect their interests. " add nothing to the debate unless backed up by examples. And when a polite request for an example is made, your response

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?

just leads to the conclusion that you have nothing productive to add to the debate.

Property_Auctions

markmcalear wrote: »

I found his/her comments to be constructive. Your answer just further highllights the fact that the only people who think this is reasonable are letting agents who profit from doing this. Would they be so eager if they had to do referencing for free? I think not.

Mark, I hope things have sorted themselves out for you and your family now.

I feel I should point out that letting agents work on behalf of the homeowner and thus should reference all tenants - after all, wouldn't you like to know that adults living in your house are trustworthy and haven't a history of damaging property?

In relation to the fees involved, the agent has to pay a referencing agency to carry out checks to protect them and their client. The agent will take a cut of the fee - as they should after conducting viewings and taking time to carry out the administrative tasks involved. There are not many people that will work for nothing. Why on earth should they?

The vast majority of tenants are excellent but it should be remembered the person that will carry the can for the rogue ones will be the agent who approved them in the first place.

rentergirl

I am not being flippant when I say the answer is always yes. There have been cases where in similar circumstances, the person who moved in has refused to move. They do not need to be referenced - this is always a major con trick (ask the people standing as referees if they were actually contacted - the answer is invariably no.) Did you want time added to the agreement?

property.advert

The simple fact is that the landlord wants someone to be checked out for the rent. As the agents get backhanders from referencing agents they want to reference as many people as possible. The two requirements are not aligned and no logical owner would press for additional references from a housewife.

I'd write the landlord a cordial letter and ask that they request the agent to back off, reminding them of your perfect payment history and there being no reason that that should change going forward, whether you have your family with you or not.

Property_Auctions

property.advert wrote: »

The simple fact is that the landlord wants someone to be checked out for the rent. As the agents get backhanders from referencing agents they want to reference as many people as possible. The two requirements are not aligned and no logical owner would press for additional references from a housewife.

I'd write the landlord a cordial letter and ask that they request the agent to back off, reminding them of your perfect payment history and there being no reason that that should change going forward, whether you have your family with you or not.

Please provide evidence that agents get 'backhanders' from referencing agents?

Property_Auctions

rentergirl wrote: »

I am not being flippant when I say the answer is always yes. There have been cases where in similar circumstances, the person who moved in has refused to move. They do not need to be referenced - this is always a major con trick (ask the people standing as referees if they were actually contacted - the answer is invariably no.) Did you want time added to the agreement?

Please explain how it is a major con trick and how do you come to the conclusion that referees are invariably not contacted. Can you provide proof of this or is it just an opinion?

markmcalear

I have now spoken to my landlord. They are happy for my partner to be living here and they dont require her to be referenced. To date they have not heard anything at all from the letting agent about this matter. They also tell me that they are not happy with the agent anyways for other reasons and this is simply adding to their dissatisfaction.

The agent is still sending me letters about the referencing but I am now just ignoring them, Landlord says to contact them directly if the agent tries to get heavy handed.