Did you rent from a rule breaking letting agent?

princeofpounds

Yes, the agent works on behalf of the landlord - but why should we then not charge the tenant for the service we provide them? We are still housing them?

No, then landlord is housing them. The only thing an agent really contractually promises to a tenant is to submit a few forms. Even then you can't be really sure if it's been done and received proper consideration.

jjlandlord

With all the real issues, it does seem like a distraction to spend time reporting letting agents who do not correctly list their fees.

After all, all prospective tenants would be smart enough to first enquire, then check the documents he is asked to sign, wouldn't they?

Likewise, all landlords would check and negotiate before hiring an agent, wouldn't they?


Shelter is (once again, unfortunately) on a witch-hunt.

JasonLVC

TheCatCameBack wrote: »

We differentiate VAT in case it changes.

Charges to the public should be VAT inclusive.

That VAT rates may change from time to time is life. Other businesses which trade with the public don't have a problem with quoting an inclusive VAT rate without worrying that the VAT rate may change (Tesco, petrol stations, mobile phone contracts, etc).

From the ASA :- "Quoted prices must include non-optional taxes, duties, fees and charges that apply to all or most buyers. VAT-exclusive prices may be given only if all or most consumers pay no VAT or can recover VAT"

PasturesNew

Just checked mine, they've got them. I've always wondered what I did end up paying as it's such a rush/stressful time when you do finally find something you can afford, then you hand money over hand over fist and wait to find out if it's yours or not ... then have to juggle handing notice in where you are with the moving date (that you can get at short notice).

So here's mine:

£250 preparation of the original Agreement + £125 for each AST after that (each 6 or 12 months)
£300 for any tenant change during the occupancy
Deposit 1.5x month's rent
£50 Administration Fee per tenant
£75 Referencing Fee per tenant
£72 Checking in Fee
=====
£250 +£50 + £75 +£72 in fees for me to move in then .... £447 of money I'll never see again.

I've dodged the £125 every 6 months by going onto periodic, which they didn't offer to me, I had to say I was doing it and stick to my guns.

And probably another £72 check-out fee (which they don't disclose on their price list) when I move out.

theblagger

TheCatCameBack wrote: »

The 'you' is the tenant.

Yes, the agent works on behalf of the landlord - but why should we then not charge the tenant for the service we provide them? We are still housing them?

Fees are fair for the work I do - though I can't apply that logic to some agents I have encountered. I rent myself and have been stung in the past - it does happen, and luckily things are starting to change now.

We differentiate VAT in case it changes.

Yes you're right, a tenant has less choice with an agent than a landlord, and I get everyone's agent bashing, but there are some out there who are fair (although I'm sure most people won't agree). My advice would be to pick an ARLA regulated agent if you can.

Lol....as if you are social housing...my bleeding heart..

CreditCrunchie

googler wrote: »

The FSA? Why ...?

Sorry I meant ASA. Was writing in the middle of the night lol

On a couple of occasions when speaking to our landlords it has transpired the LA's are also charging them, in one case the SAME fee they charged us! So that particular EA took around £1,000 in fees. It is legal robbery.

Pandilex

I went to CJ Hole in Bristol to rent my current property. Asked the guy, tell me all the fees you have, everything I will have to pay you to move into this property. Guy said 350 quid (50% of one month's rent).

I agree, go through with the viewing, like it, accept, go to sign the documentation, have to pay a £100 'check in' fee they didn't mention.

This fee paid for them to meet me at the property, give me the key, and give me a folder of information. That's it. 100 quid.

I should add: The property is not managed by them. This fee of £450 is literally to link me to the landlord. They do not do a checkin, inspections, or anything whatsoever relating to managing the property.

Pixie5740

England & Wales should take a leaf out of Scotland's book and make these agency fees unlawful. Making landlords and letting agencies register with the local council, to be deemed fit & proper, would also be a step in the right direction.

Paying out hundreds of punds every 6 or 12 months because you don't have a secure tenancy is not on.

theblagger

Also the scheme that Newham council currently run
https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Private-rented-property-licensing.aspx should be rolled out all over ENGLAND...shake out all the dodgy landlords

nadirnwo

Along with the fees, another issue is how a 'holding deposit' is defined. Most agents take a holding deposit and only then draw up a contract. If a prospective tenant is not happy with certain clauses in the contract they are told that they can walk away but then forfeit the holding deposit. How is this fair? Either letting agents should be obliged to state clearly the terms on which a property is offered to let and then demand a holding deposit, or return a holding deposit if an agreement cannot be reached.