Couple of questions

skipad

Hi all

I am looking to rent a new flat but letting agency has a couple of clauses that I have not come across in 15 years of renting and just need to know if this is normal

Being charged both check in and check out fees

Insisting on taking out insurance to cover landlord fixtures and fittings to at least £2500.
I have insurance to cover my belongings but always thought that was what a deposit was for and landlord should have own insurance to cover these?
Would I even be able to get insurance for landlord fixture and fittings as would need to prove ownership and purchase cost?

Being charged for periodic tenancy after fixed term should I notice want to renew. I am pretty certain that this can’t be enforced as should just roll over and no charge applicable

I am really keen on flat but need to be sure I am not being unreasonable challenging the above

Many thanks

G_M

Not much you can do about the check-in/out fees unless you refuse to sign the contract, or discover the landlord is also being charged - they cannot double charge.

Insurance is a sneeky way for them to get commission. Refusing probably means you won't get the property, so find a policy that does not charge a cancellation fee. Take out the insurance, show it to the agent, then cancel in the 14 day cooling off period for a full refund.

When the time comes, refuse to pay the fee to move to a periodic. You'll get lots of pressure and grief by the sound of this agent, but ultimately you'd win in court or via the deposit scheme.

edit:

Being charged for periodic tenancy after fixed term should I notice want to renew.

What's the exact wording? Don't give 'notice' - just let the tenancy move to periodic automatically without saying anything!

skipad

Thanks for advice

I meant to say not renewing after initial fixed term comes to an end.
I will ask if landlord is also being charged check in/ our fees as I know tis normal for each to pay one of these ..but of course am relying on agency actually being truthful
If I sign lease I am , in affect, agreeing to the renewal fee but would this still be classed as an unfair clause?

G_M

skipad wrote: »

Thanks for advice

I meant to say not renewing after initial fixed term comes to an end.
??
If you mean you will leave when the fixed term ends, then what is the problem?



I will ask if landlord is also being charged check in/ our fees as I know tis normal for each to pay one of these ..but of course am relying on agency actually being truthful

Pointless to ask at this stage. Indeed, it will mark you out as troublesome and you might not get the property - assuming you still want it.


Ask the LL yourself later once you are a tenant.

If I sign lease I am , in affect, agreeing to the renewal fee but would this still be classed as an unfair clause?

I repeat:
"What's the exact wording?"

skipad

By renewal I meant not signing a new fixed contract..I always prefer to be on rolling contract.

I don’t want to be marked as troublesome as I am not ..I am simply checking what is fair and what can be challenged .

I haven’t seen the exact wording as I have not yet gone ahead with the property.
These are the terms on the actual letting agency website

Many thanks