£100 fee to register with landlord agency?

poppysarah

What would agents do if no one wanted to do business with them because of excessive charges?

tbs624

beebuzz168 wrote: »

Hope you guys can give me some advice on this one...

I've just recently moved into a flatshare, where I am effectively subletting from the main tenant. He, and I, want me to be put on the tenancy agreement which I'm sure would give us both more protection.

However, the landlord agency require £100 plus VAT to register me, apparently to cover credit checks and references. I haven't ever rented through an agency before so didn't know if this was standard procedure. But to me it seems like a lot of money to be paying out when I know I could obtain my own credit check for free and provide them with ready written references as required.

So, is this common place and I should pay up and lump it, or are they just trying to get more money out of me?

Thanks

I don't agree with LAs "admin fees", but do bear in mind that your mate may be in breach of his current tenancy terms by sub-letting to you, and could possibly be given Notice.

If your mate has the LL's personal contact details, try going direct to him/her and seeing what they say about the fee.The problem is that some LL insurances are dependent on having specific sorts of checks made but even a comprehensive tenant check should only cost around 50 quid, so the remainder is for the LAs "work" in filling in a form, making a couple of phone calls, and printing off another standard TA. The LL may be bound by his own contract with the LA to endorse those admin charges, but it's maybe worth a try.

Snooze

Mugs, the lot of you. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

There is no point moaning about the prices if you're not prepared to do anything about it. Hello? Common sense alert ????

While ever you keep handing over your £400 for credit and ref checks, they will keep charging it.

I've no sympathy for any of you and you all need chucking in a large bag and vigorously shaking up to try and get some common sense into your thick heads. :rolleyes:

Rob

lil_me

Snooze wrote: »

Mugs, the lot of you. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

There is no point moaning about the prices if you're not prepared to do anything about it. Hello? Common sense alert ????

While ever you keep handing over your £400 for credit and ref checks, they will keep charging it.

I've no sympathy for any of you and you all need chucking in a large bag and vigorously shaking up to try and get some common sense into your thick heads. :rolleyes:

Rob

Thanks for the lovely comments, however.

All agencies in our local area charge similar amounts therefore we were left with very little choice, the nice properties are usually with agents unfortunately, I do believe that agents should charge a fee as they are running a business however I do think they are pushing it a little, ok they are paying staff to be there for the viewings (I made sure we got plenty there as we did 6 viewings inc one to do an inventory, I think we took up about 20 hours of their time just with those) paying for staff who arrange to do contracts etc which took about 2 hours then it was wrong so was sent back again, paying for credit checks etc.

As mentioned I could have stood my ground and refused to pay it, but we'd have lost out on the property I currently love being in and would have been forced to take something else.

tbs624

lil_me wrote: »

Thanks for the lovely comments, however.

It's just Snooze- he has a peculiar charm. Now & then I have even agreed with things he says.

Unfortunately, it could only work if everyone did actually refuse to pay the charges and that just aint going to happen, because getting the flat/house that we'd like is important to us all and that's why the LAs have been able to do it. People can alternatively just seek out the reputable LLs who manage their own properties, who at most would pass on the actual cost of the credit check (between £16 and £50, depending on the level) There will be a move towards greater control of LAs though, and all tenants should currently be haranguing their Councillors and MPs about the issue - those who shout loudest and all that......;)

kavanaghdavid

Why rent through an agency at all? I rent out privately - my prices are cheaper. What services are you expecting the LA to perform?

ginvzt

It is not always possible to find private landlord - and you have to go and rent through agency...

Snooze

ginvzt wrote: »

It is not always possible to find private landlord - and you have to go and rent through agency...

Rubbish. You're simply not trying hard enough. I've used LAs to my own advantage on many occasions by seeing a property advertised with them (including interior pics) and then gone round to the house myself and knocked on the door to obtain the LLs contact details. And if the property is empty I go to the immediate neighbours and ask them instead.

9 times out of 10 it works and the LL is happy to cut out the middle man, not to mention cheaper rent than advertised at the LA too.

Win/win.

Rob :T