Outrageous admin fees! Help needed!

Angeleek

I've been reading through the forum a little and couldn't quite find something like what's happening to myself and my partner at the moment.

Basically the estate agent myself and my partner are going through to rent a 3 bed house at £900 a month in Basingstoke, have decided to charge us a £540 (inc VAT) admin fee (40% of the rent). This fee does not go towards the deposit, nor is any of it refundable in any way. They have tried to justify it to me by saying it's because they go through a company called homelet to do all their checks and such, but I know the last agent I used, went through the same company and charged us £282, which is more reasonable. I also know, from friends who have/are currently moving in and around London, have never been charged anywhere near this.

We have unfortunately had no choice but to pay this as we really want the property since the Basingstoke rental market is fierce, even after I contested it and I have asked for a full break down of the costs (which I am still waiting for).

What I would like to know is where I can take this next, and if it's even worth contesting this fee further, perhaps with their head office? I made my feelings very clear to the branch manager and I just got a load of blas! "reasons" for why we're being charged this, like, "oh we're one of the cheapest in the area" etc etc. I'm actually going to call a few agencies today and find out their fees just to see if that is true.

So, should I complain? Or should I just accept that I have been severely taken for a ride and learn for next time? Any help is appreciated!

ilovecheese

We have just paid £420.00 :eek:

Annoying expensive unfair, but hey ho - agents can charge whatever they like, and they do. Nice little earner as they probably charge the LL double what they are charging you!

vuvuzela

It is a disgraceful rip-off and they will likely also be charging the landlord a massive amount too. Some agents really take the !!!!.
However, if you want the property, pay the fee. If you don't want to pay the fee, find another property. The agents don't have to give you a breakdown of the fee and there is nowhere you can 'take it'.

DannyboyMidlands

You've been ripped off and frankly it's your own fault. Agents only get away with charging these ridiculous fees because mugs keep on paying.

"We have unfortunately had no choice but to pay this as we really want the property.......and the market is fierce....."

It aint that fierce. You did have a choice.

vax2002

600,000 people a year are pouring in to the country, the fees will only go up and it is not going to be very long before there is nowhere left to rent.
None of the do-gooders have thought about where these people will all live.
Probably because the answer is nowhere near them.

Suziflooze

I agree with the poster, it is that fierce for a decent place to live, we recently viewed a house, we were third in line, first person who viewed took it, there were 27 people waiting, with 5 min viewing slots! Then we found another and got the first viewing, we were told we had until the second viewing ended to make up our minds and put down a £300 holding fee or risk losing it. We literally were sat in the car trying to decide outside, while the second viewers looked round as they were at the door as we came out!

We later read in their paperwork that the holding fee shouldn't be taken until you make an application and offer and hear that the landlord has accepted the offer (this is not the referencing etc just an offer and your basic details)

Yes you can choose not to go through that agent, and lose the house, but you'll find they are all playing the same game locally no doubt

DannyboyMidlands

"None of the do-gooders have thought about where these people will all live."

Basingstoke seems popular.

missile

Hm .................. I did not realise it was so competitive in London.

Turnbull2000

Supply and demand I'm afraid. Scotland apart (who are legislating against them), letting fees will only surge up as rental demand, population growth and the property shortage becomes critical over the coming years.

Angeleek

Thanks for the feedback guys, I figured we'd just have to deal with it this time, I am glad (though horrified) that it's not just me this is happening to. No wonder no one likes estate agents! They don't do themselves any favours! Sorry to hear you're in the same boat as me Suzi, as I'm sure many are! I had to make a decision without my partner there and he has yet to see the place! So I can completely sympathise.

Another life lesson learnt I guess!

Suziflooze

I am in rural Essex (not of TOWIE fame) but out on the border with Suffolk!!