Copy of reference report for tenant (if tenant has paid for report)?

marianneke

Hello all,

I've a bit of an unusual question: for a tenancy, a reference report was made by the lettings agent, using a professional tenancy referencing service. Since I had to pay for the report, I think it reasonable that I should get a copy which I might use for other things. However, the referencing agency wants more money to send me a copy, because they were paid by the lettings agent, and the lettings agent claims that I can't read my own report due to privacy issues.

Although I don't strictly need the report, it does interest me: does paying for something mean that you own it? This is a relatively new issue I believe, since it used to be part of the total fees, and probably the landlord used to pay for it.

Does anyone have any insight into the issue?

Best,
Marianne

fishpond

I have always asked for the tenant references from the letting agent and have always received a copy (the latest one was 2 weeks ago), that is with 2 different agencies over the last few years.
Don't know if this helps your case or not.
To my mind as a LL you need to make the ultimate decision using all the info you can gather.
As a tenant, as you have said, you have paid for them so they are yours, in my mind anyway.

Annie1960

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/principle-6-rights/subject-access-request/

Are you the tenant? If so, and the report is about you, the Data Protection Act gives you the right to a copy.

Put your request in writing, stating that you would like to make a Subject Access Request under Section 7 of the Data Protection Act.

theartfullodger

Fire the agent, get a new one, and make it clear - in writing - you demand copies of ALL paperwork..

G_M

theartfullodger wrote: »

Fire the agent, get a new one, and make it clear - in writing - you demand copies of ALL paperwork..

OP is the tenant (I think), so sadly can't fire the agent.

But I've had this as a landlord too. Agent refuses to pass tenants credit report to LL, quoting data protection. Just tells LL the tenant has 'passed' or 'failed'. Most LLs would want to see the report, and references, and make a value judgement.

I now write into the agent contract that they will supply these (along with 100 other 'non-standard' clauses). Makes negotiating agent contracts a nightmare......