Letting agent fees

Bangers_and_Mash

Looking to move to a property in England (from Scotland). Have seen a place im very interested in, but have noticed that in the property description, there is an admin fee and a credit check fee.

I thought that these type of fees were now illegal?

Having said that, I'm worried that if I question it, they will simply let the property to someone else.

Anyone been in this situation, and advise how you dealt with it? 

greatcrested

Yes illegal.

If you query it, they may simply not let to you ("Bl**dy trouble-maker!").

Pay it then reclaim after you have the tenancy signed. See

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/922900/Tenant_Fees_Act_-_Tenant_Guidance.pdf

Bangers_and_Mash

greatcrested said:

Yes illegal.

If you query it, they may simply not let to you ("Bl**dy trouble-maker!").

Pay it then reclaim after you have the tenancy signed. See

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/922900/Tenant_Fees_Act_-_Tenant_Guidance.pdf

Yeah thanks, I'd already had a look at that. As I said, didn't want to lose the property, and was interested in how others have dealt with it. Also how much difficulty they've had claiming it back. 

Also worried that if I don't declare the issue before signing the let, it would nul my right to appeal it?

Comms69

CHances are it's a disclaimer they use - and only applies for non AST properties

Bangers_and_Mash

Comms69 said:

CHances are it's a disclaimer they use - and only applies for non AST properties

Not sure I follow. Can you expand?

Comms69

Bangers_and_Mash said:

Comms69 said:

CHances are it's a disclaimer they use - and only applies for non AST properties

Not sure I follow. Can you expand?

Fees are only banned for tenancies which are Assured Shorthold. Commercial tenancies and a few others can still be charged - it's likely a disclaimer which they include in all adverts

fishpond

My thoughts
Charging fees to Tenants is illegal in England.
But, until an AST contract is signed you are not a tenant of that property---so is it still illegal??
Over to someone who may know the legal answer.

Comms69

fishpond said:

My thoughts
Charging fees to Tenants is illegal in England.
But, until an AST contract is signed you are not a tenant of that property---so is it still illegal??
Over to someone who may know the legal answer.

Yes, they are illegal. The terminology you use is the media friendly version. 

Bangers_and_Mash

Comms69 said:

Bangers_and_Mash said:

Comms69 said:

CHances are it's a disclaimer they use - and only applies for non AST properties

Not sure I follow. Can you expand?

Fees are only banned for tenancies which are Assured Shorthold. Commercial tenancies and a few others can still be charged - it's likely a disclaimer which they include in all adverts

Ok, I get you now, thanks.

macman

Tell the agent you are interested, but don't understand the fees mentioned? Their reply will tell you if the agent is a cowboy or amateur. 

Bangers_and_Mash

macman said:

Tell the agent you are interested, but don't understand the fees mentioned? Their reply will tell you if the agent is a cowboy or amateur. 

Company formed 80 years ago, so seemingly well-established.

Had a look at other properties, and the fee amount varies, presumably depending on property price, so don't Think it is a basic disclaimer.

As I said previously, I'm unsure of bringing it up with the agent, as the property seems to have a lot of interest, and I don't want them to reject my application because if it.