Letting Agent Rip Off?

dominicstannard

deannatrois wrote: »

Huh? Its August so leaving 8 months early. That's why.

I understand your consternation BUT the LA/LL doesn't have to let you leave early at all (is there are break clause in your TA?). You could be paying two lots of rent. You have to understand that they aren't in business to help you. There is a lot wrong about what LA's do, but at the end of the day, they don't have to release you from your contract. You are 'lucky' they are allowing this and not just putting up a brick wall and saying you will be paying the rent until March regardless.

Our contract is quite clear about being allowed to leave any time as long as we ask the Landlord, and makes no mention of the costs we would incur from doing so.

I note with interest that the Tenant Fees Bill is going to Report Stage in parliament tomorrow, and will introduce a cap on the amount that can be charged for a change to tenancy at £50. This makes the £390 total seem a little OTT and not 'cheap' as others have suggested.

Presumably letting agents will find ways to argue that the costs they're charging me are not for 'a change to tenancy', but are instead about deposits, deeds of assignments etc etc.

Still wondering if anyone knows what this deed of assignment is and why it costs £268?

SmashedAvacado

What does the tenancy agreement say about leaving early? You said its quite clear.

dominicstannard

Comms69 wrote: »

Just to clarify are you leaving in march or now?

I'm leaving in October. A friend of mine had some personal problems and I am leaving to move in with him.

I don't feel as though i should be thankful for being allowed to leave the property as it is included in our contract that we're allowed to do so!

Comms69

dominicstannard wrote: »

I'm leaving in October. A friend of mine had some personal problems and I am leaving to move in with him.

I don't feel as though i should be thankful for being allowed to leave the property as it is included in our contract that we're allowed to do so!

ok well you haven't said that and you haven't quoted any clause that says you can leave - so why not start with that?

Comms69

dominicstannard wrote: »

Our contract is quite clear about being allowed to leave any time as long as we ask the Landlord, and makes no mention of the costs we would incur from doing so.

I note with interest that the Tenant Fees Bill is going to Report Stage in parliament tomorrow, and will introduce a cap on the amount that can be charged for a change to tenancy at £50. This makes the £390 total seem a little OTT and not 'cheap' as others have suggested.

Presumably letting agents will find ways to argue that the costs they're charging me are not for 'a change to tenancy', but are instead about deposits, deeds of assignments etc etc.

Still wondering if anyone knows what this deed of assignment is and why it costs £268?

Let me put it this way, they could charge you £2680 if they wanted.


Or £2,680,000.


There is no set fee.


And whether a bill is before parliament or not is irrelevant.

dominicstannard

Comms69 wrote: »

ok well you haven't said that and you haven't quoted any clause that says you can leave - so why not start with that?

Contract states:

"The Landlord agrees that the Tenant has the right to terminate the tenancy by giving the Landlord not less than two months prior notice in writing to be sent to by first class post or hand delivery to the address specified in clause 1.3 of the Agreement, to end the tenancy."

This is all it says, and this is what i did also.

Comms69

dominicstannard wrote: »

Contract states:

"The Landlord agrees that the Tenant has the right to terminate the tenancy by giving the Landlord not less than two months prior notice in writing to be sent to by first class post or hand delivery to the address specified in clause 1.3 of the Agreement, to end the tenancy."

This is all it says, and this is what i did also.

So then just do that?


It looks like a break clause - though obviously context is everything. Refuse to pay anything and move out.

andrewjb3

Ooops. Sorry. I've caused confusion by missing reading "prematurely" in the original message.
You're leaving early. Costs will have to be paid!

SmashedAvacado

If that is all the agreement says then there is no need for you to find another tenant, no need for you to provide any money to the landlord for an assignment (because the tenancy is not being assigned) and the tenancy ends on the expiry of the notice.

I would get an email from the agent indicating that they will give you a reference once you have done what they ask you and then write back telling them that you are not obliged to do anything that they have asked you. i woudl show that email to my new landlord in lieu of a reference.

Slithery

Regarding a reference, remember that your current landlord is under no obligation to give you one at all (or change you for the privilege if they desire).