Any letting agents reading this?

Zorz_2

theartfullodger wrote: »

Very good: A bit like asking an MP if he's doing a good job...

Good point! Which brings ut to...:

Housing minister Grant Shapps says proposals to regulate landlords and letting agents would introduce 'too much red tape'

newsgroup_monkey

@Budgetdiyer,

See, that's exactly it. That's fair. In fact, you could charge more and I wouldn't see it as being unfair. In my long post, I tried to point out that not all LAs are scum - my current LAs only charge £25 Admin fee. However, my previous ones charged more than that just for a reference!

outofmoney

Think I may have to seek out the letting agents posting here! The agents I have been to are asking around £200 per person (including guarantor) reference fee then a £300 - 400 admin fee. Totally ridiculous and the main reason we are still squished in a way too small house.

armour

Whereabouts are you? If you give a general location, perhaps someone can give a reccomendation.
Incidentally, I am looking for a good agent (to let out a property owned by my brother) in the Harpenden area.
Anyone out there with local knowledge?

budgetdiyer

Those fees you guys have mentioned are excessive imo. I honestly don't know how they can justify those fees.

As I said before alot of agents charge cheap landlord fees and make up for it by charging the tenants, although I know some who charge normal landlord fees and excessive tenant fees.

All I can suggest is shop around and avoid the agents with the big fees. I know it's difficult because if you want a particular property you don't have much choice!

jjlandlord

Yes. Letting agents try to extract fees as much as they can.

But:
1. Tenants do not have to pay up just because they're told to. (Granted, prospective tenants are in a tighter place).
2. Landlords are also supposed to direct, apply pressure, and tell agents what to charge or not to charge to tenants.
Of course, as soon as agent replies that they therefore intend to ask more from landlord, landlord finds tenants fees perfectly fine

outofmoney

armour wrote: »

Whereabouts are you? If you give a general location, perhaps someone can give a reccomendation.
Incidentally, I am looking for a good agent (to let out a property owned by my brother) in the Harpenden area.
Anyone out there with local knowledge?

We are currently Kent but hoping to re locate to IOW. So looking at both areas.

chuckley

It amazes me any of those fees are legal. this is why I avoid them.

Unfortunatky I apllied for a 'private' ad which ended up being an agency one. agency were shrewd! demanded i pay leaving tenants deposit as they didnt want to plus wanted a deposit off me!

to start they want £75 for 'application form'
£400 to 'process form'
£100 for references
money to check in/checkout

I bet they charge to pick up the keys too.

I dont understand how these ppl are legal. total fraudsters.

jjlandlord

chuckley wrote: »

It amazes me any of those fees are legal.

This is a free market: When you ask people to do something they are free to state their price, and in turn you are free to accept or refuse.

If you knew how much everything we buy in supermarkets/shops actually cost you might also wonder how come such inflated selling prices are legal

nick100*2007

I work for a nationwide agent. Tenant fees £210 per applicant and £120 per guarantor if required.

Sometimes, people don't realise the hours that go into getting a tenant moved in. I have frequently invited complaining tenants to spend the day with me but no takers yet!