Agency 'application and referencing fees' - am I entitled to a breakdown?

Guest101

DRP wrote: »

If you know your rights and try to enforce them, then isn't there quite a risk you won't ever be the successful applicant for the property...?

An agent/LL is unlikely to want a 'difficult' tenant?

Are we talking about rigths as a tenant or a consumer?

- As a tenant, enforcing your rights can lead to an eviction, once fixed term is finished. If this does happen, it is likely the LL is not a very good one. (since you had to enforce your rights with him, instead of it just being sorted).

- Enforcing your rights prior to this, as a consumer - is fairly straight forward. A LL would be foolish to think badly of a tenant who is careful with their spending and questions the fees. That is showing a sensible side and indicating that money is not wasted - ie rent will be paid.

- The schemes do state clearly that all fees must be explained. And there is no reason that the letting agents shouldnt charge market rate for their work. Many people believe the agents 'double dip', being paid by both parties. But when the prospective tenant pays for a service, a contract is formed. That is a contract between LA and Tenant (to be) to conduct the checks required to formally provide a tenancy for the tenant. - Which is why it is good practice to ask before payment, what the criteria are and under what circumstances the fee is refundable. (saying it is never refundable, would probably constitute unfair terms)

Guest101

audigex wrote: »

Oh that's fine, then, as long as they only try to gouge the vulnerable and meek!

Although in my case it seems to be getting worse as I move up the ladder: I was treated perfectly reasonably as a student and new graduate in shared housing, then when trying to rent flats or houses as a working professional ran into these moral-less vampire agencies.

Agencies were in the North West and Midlands, I can only imagine them being worse in London/The South East where demand for properties is higher and they have more opportunities to take advantage of multiple applicants at once!

Its not my job, or the agents job, or the LLs job, to eductae people about their rights.

If you dont know them, and dont use them - eventually you lose them.