Letting fees - asking for a discount

whitelined

Hi,

I am having to rent a new house, got lucky and actually found the house we need. The agent is charging £740 processing fees, none of which you get back. Is it worth asking for a discount? anyone had any luck with doing this? This fee just covers application, which surely can't cost more than £50 - a mark up of about 1500%? A separate 120 check in fee us also required. It does feel like I'm being held to ransom, as there are so few properties in the area.

Many thanks

Regards

MartynK

That is pretty ridiculous, but until there is some sort of legislation to deal with LA's then this is norm for high fees, although 700 odd seems ott.

Its worth asking, although expect to be in for a fight, you can always try and contact the Landlord and present yourself as interested but the fee the LA want is over the top.

Sadly though, if you really want this place then you might be stuck being forced to pay if they won't budge.

This type of place though with these high costs, I wouldn't be surprised if they try and enforce high renewal costs and will avoid wanting you to go on periodic

Bart1

Dunno why anyone pays estate agent fees to rent. I have always been able to find landlords that don't go through agents. Check your local paper

jimjames

Bart1 wrote: »

Dunno why anyone pays estate agent fees to rent. I have always been able to find landlords that don't go through agents. Check your local paper

Yes that is a much better idea, unfortunately not so many let direct but I prefer that as it means I have chosen the tenants.

You can also check rightmove as it is possible to advertise direct on there too.

fairy_lights

Bart1 wrote: »

Dunno why anyone pays estate agent fees to rent. I have always been able to find landlords that don't go through agents. Check your local paper

But what good is that if the OP has already found the house they want?
Those fee's do sound ridiculously high, I've never heard of anyone asking for a discount but it can't hurt.