Tenancy renewal fee

greenman1012

Hello

I have just renewed my tenancy for another 12 months and despite being told there was no 'renewal' fee at the time of originally taking the property the agent is now asking for £90 + VAT

They have issued the new agreement which states there is a fee to pay but on my original agreement which I signed in September 2015 there is no mention of this fee.

They say this is on my 'tenant application form' but I do not have a copy of this document and surely this wouldn't be legally binding?

I have always had to pay a renewal fee previously but then this has been specifically stated in the tenancy agreement. As it does not feature then I wouldn't have thought I am required to pay it.

Has anyone had an issue like this previously?

Guest101

Do you need the security of a fixed term? Or are you happy to go monthly ?

greenman1012

the security really as we have 2 kids. The renewal was actually on the 1st September so I've made 2 rent payments (1/9 & 1/10)without a signed agreement.

the agent has admitted that they are only now chasing these renewal fee payments and haven't done so in the past as 'head office' is putting pressure on them.

Guest101

greenman1012 wrote: »

the security really as we have 2 kids. The renewal was actually on the 1st September so I've made 2 rent payments (1/9 & 1/10)without a signed agreement.

the agent has admitted that they are only now chasing these renewal fee payments and haven't done so in the past as 'head office' is putting pressure on them.

Who cares who's putting pressure on them? Your contract is with your LL, not a letting agent.


Its very rare for a ll to evict a good tenant and many monthly agreements go on for years and years.


If you want a new fixed term, it's common to pay for it, so I'd suggest doing so.


But personally id just take monthly agreement

G_M

1) Ask them to show you the renewal fee on the application form you signed. Then point out it is not binding as it is not a tenancy agreement

2) Ask them if the landlord also pays a fee for the tenancy to be renewed.

Since 1st October 2014, the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 S83 requires letting agents in England to sign up to one of 3 schemes:

* The Property Ombudsman
* Ombudsman Services Property
* Property Redress Scheme

Check which they belong to. TPO Code of Practice for example, does not permit dual-charging:

5n You must not make a tenant or landlord pay a charge for or be
liable for an element of your service that the other party has
also been charged for in the course of the same transaction.

3) Read also:
* Ending/renewing an AST: what happens when a fixed term ends? How can a LL or tenant end a tenancy? What is a periodic tenancy?