Can I get my referencing fees back??

markmcalear

I recently agreed to rent a house through Xact Homes in Solihull. I paid a £200 holding fee plus £120 for referencing. All was fine until 2 days before I was due to move in when the landlord withdrew citing "personal reasons".

Xact Homes have agreed to refund my holding fee but not the referencing cost. Surely this cant be right? I didnt pull out, if anything I am the one who has been most inconvenienced as I am all packed and ready to go but I dont have anywhere to move to. My current landlord is not impressed as she wanted to move back into this house as she and her partner have separated.

What should I do to try to get my referencing fees back? Do I have a leg to stand on at all?

marliepanda

I would suggest that the LA pursues the LL for the referencing costs. Yes these are a cost they have incurred, but as it was the LL who pulled out they should incur the cost.

You could threaten them with a small claims?

G_M

I would fight for return of the credit check fee.

You paid to hold the property in good faith and (presumably) passed the vetting process. It is the LL's change of mind that has left you out of pocket.

In the first instance, try to resolve amicably by discussing face to face in a reasonable way. Perhaps consider accepting a compromise? eg if you are likely to apply for another property via the same agents...?

But if you meet a brick wall, then send a formalletter, marked "letter before action", demanding the money is returned within 5 working days or you will take legal action.

markmcalear

I tried to get another property from them quickly after this happened but they had no houses in Solihull that were available immediately. I have now found a house via another agent and I am moving in shortly.

I passed the referencing check without any problem. No credit problems, positive reference responses from my employer and current letting agent.

G_M wrote: »

I would fight for return of the credit check fee.

You paid to hold the property in good faith and (presumably) passed the vetting process. It is the LL's change of mind that has left you out of pocket.

In the first instance, try to resolve amicably by discussing face to face in a reasonable way. Perhaps consider accepting a compromise? eg if you are likely to apply for another property via the same agents...?

But if you meet a brick wall, then send a formalletter, marked "letter before action", demanding the money is returned within 5 working days or you will take legal action.

chanz4

check your credit files, have they even searched them some take the fee and don't.

markmcalear

Yes it shows on my noddle report that they searched me on 9th July

chanz4 wrote: »

check your credit files, have they even searched them some take the fee and don't.