Letting agency charging to renew contract?

mattyprice4004

mattyprice4004

mattyprice4004

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Just had a letter from our letting agency, saying the landlord is happy to extend contract for another 6 months etc, however they're asking for an 'admin fee' of £60 to do so?

Not sure if they're allowed to do this, I'm sure I've read otherwise. Thoughts?
 
wouldn't have thought so unless they charged you an admin fee for when you first entered your lease arrangement? If they didn't then just say you'd like to terminate your lease then reapply for the same place.....seems like they're on the make with that arrangement.
 
As you are aware, if you do nothing then a periodic tenancy will arise. In such a case they are unable to levy a charge (they can try but will have no means to enforce it) and your tenancy will continue on a month by month basis (assuming you pay rent monthly). Of course, this means that your LL can issue you with 2 months notice to leave.

Will they? If what you say about being a good T is true then it is unlikely that a rational LL would chose to evict over allowing a periodic tenancy to arise unless the agent accidentally on purpose mis-advises them in their quest for fees. To counter this, it would be a good idea to write to your LL explaining that you wish to stay on a periodic basis (and you can also complain about the agent). If you don't have the LL's address then you should write a letter to the agents asking them to provide the name and address of your LL as required under S1 of the LL and T act 1985. They have 21 days to provide the address and will presumably remind them that you mean business.
Click to expand...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=40173204
 
If you can be sure no one is lined up to move in just tell em you're not paying, it's up to them if they want £60 or your custom.
 
If you're going through an agency then agencies have charges. If you don't like it either contact the landlord and see if he is happy to do it outside of the letting agency. If he isn't, find a new place to rent.
 
your tenancy automatically goes onto a rolling contract at end of term anyway, so unless you really need the security, which its unlikely a landlord is going to give notice to a good tenant who pays etc. and causes no troubles, you dont need the agency to change the dates and print off a new contact for £60
 
£60 sounds cheap to me, im sure our renewal fee was well over £100 (a couple of years ago)
rental agencies are rip off merchants - anything they can charge for, they do.
cheaper than the references / fees for moving to a new flat though
 
They would have charged my Tenant £75 to renew, but I've had so many problems with the Letting agency that i got rid of them and just deal with the tenant myself.
Im sure they would have tried to charge me 2 weeks rent again to set up another 6 month contract.
 
Yep, we've got to pay £75 to renew

Luckily I'm not renewing, but even if I was, I wouldn't pay that. They've been useless since day 1
 
Have a word with your Landlord and see if you can deal with him direct and dump the Letting Agency. It was costing me £58 a month for them to do nothing and pay me almost a month late every month.
 
Our agent tries to charge us £90 every year, stating that they also charge the LL the same! It is extortionate and we have not once paid it.
 
Depends on contract is assume you're on a fixed contract, in which case it doesn't roll over. Always ask for 6months which then auto change to rolling months.
 
Because they do referencing and stuff again, how stupid!
Simple, don't rent from stupid agencies like that.
 
If you have been a good tenant and are upto date with your rent ask the landlord to pay. Or ask him not to go through the letting agency and deal with you direct. Screwing them out of a customer:D
 
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