Is £360 a reasonable admin fee for one-bedroom flat in Northampton?

King_Mustard

I am looking to rent a flat with my partner.

We've found a place that's 20-minutes walk from the city center.

The rent is £475 per month.

Haart are charging me £360 admin fees for my partner and I.

Do you think this is reasonable?

I only ask, because I'm new to renting and I'm not sure.

They'd suggested I paid for it before viewing because it's not an expensive place and it's closish to the center, so they already have some viewings booked for when they can get access to the property on Thursday afternoon.

dgtazzman

Seems a little on the high side, most of the agents in Northampton were quoting between 200 and 300 when we were looking last, though this was 3 years ago now...

King_Mustard

dgtazzman wrote: »

Seems a little on the high side, most of the agents in Northampton were quoting between 200 and 300 when we were looking last, though this was 3 years ago now...

Admin fees are illegal in Scotland.

I wish they were in England They get enough money from the cut of the rent.

King_Mustard

I e-mailed them and asked if they could budge on the £360 holidng fee.

They said "If I can get an offer form and the holding fee of £300 today I have authorisation to take £60 off for you."

Is £300 more reasonable?

Also, I'm concerned about doing this without viewing.

Should I upload the photos here to see what you guys think? :P The more opinions and eyes the better!

[Deleted User]

For the love of god do not pay a fee before viewing unless you're willing to lose the money, they will at the very least drag their heels on returning it and the worst they will say that the fee is non refundable. Signing or paying anything before being sure that you wish to proceed is never a good idea.

Regarding the actual price... it's not good but it could be a lot worse. They're basically free to do whatever they want and your options are pay up or go elsewhere.

King_Mustard

citricsquid wrote: »

For the love of god do not pay a fee before viewing unless you're willing to lose the money, they will at the very least drag their heels on returning it and the worst they will say that the fee is non refundable. Signing or paying anything before being sure that you wish to proceed is never a good idea.

Regarding the actual price... it's not good but it could be a lot worse. They're basically free to do whatever they want and your options are pay up or go elsewhere.

Nothing is returned.

Brallaqueen

No it is not. If you are looking in Northampton have you tried the Chroniscle and Echo, spareroom or easyroommate? Agencies charge these ridiculoyus fees, try going direct and you'd be surprised.

Or contaqct the University Accommodation services, they can be quite helpful in giving you pointers on any LL who may also take non students.

Especially now when the term has stared and the spare rooms need filling

King_Mustard

Brallaqueen wrote: »

No it is not. If you are looking in Northampton have you tried the Chroniscle and Echo, spareroom or easyroommate? Agencies charge these ridiculoyus fees, try going direct and you'd be surprised.

Or contaqct the University Accommodation services, they can be quite helpful in giving you pointers on any LL who may also take non students.

Especially now when the term has stared and the spare rooms need filling

My partner and I want a flat, not a room, so spareroom, easyroommate etc. are out.

Also, we're currently letting in Milton Keynes but the landlord stopped paying the mortgage and we have to be out before the 11th October because the house is being repossessed. Due to this, we're finding it hard to find places in Northampton, especially considering viewings are to easy. Using newspapers can take time, and we don't have that time

We don't want to continue living in MK because it's simply too expensive for us. We got lucky with our current place but now that that's ending, Northampton is our only option.

hellokitty08

WoW :eek: for one person that is a lot! (ohh sorry its for two)

I know established agencies in town that only charge £200. (£260 for 2 people)

Its up to you though, if heart have the property you really want then you will have to pay it. Otherwise ask agents first what the fee is and then decide if you want to look at the property.

Just depends what you want more, to pay a lower fee or to have the property, but NEVER! pay a fee before seeing a property! I wouldnt expect a reputable company to even ask you to!

Brallaqueen

King_Mustard wrote: »

My partner and I want a flat, not a room, so spareroom, easyroommate etc. are out.

.

Spare room does advertise one beds too- not just room shares!


http://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/?search_id=143580684&

King_Mustard

Brallaqueen wrote: »

Spare room does advertise one beds too- not just room shares!


http://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/?search_id=143580684&

Non are central, unfortunately. But I appreciate your help