Cxxx
07-04-2009, 14:15 PM
I am looking to move out of my flat 3 months before the end of a fixed term 12 month contract for financial reasons.
I have been told that to assign my half of the contract to a new tenant the agent will charge £150 to the new tenant, £60 to the remaining tenant, and a further £150 'landlord administration'. £360 seems a ridiculous fee to change the name and contact details on an existing contract. I can't see why on earth my current flatmate should have to pay to stay in the flat to the end of the agreed tenancy.
None of these fees are listed in my contract. They are only listed in a 'Guide to Tenants' which I was only provided with yesterday after I enquired about assigning my tenancy i.e. not before I signed the contract or at the start of the tenancy.
I questioned these charges and I was told that all parties had to pay an admin fee to have a new contract drawn up as it will have to be 'completely re-done'. They said they 'have' to charge an admin fee citing the Cost of Leases Act. From what I can see the Cost of Leases Act actually says I'm under no obligation to pay any other party's lease costs??
Is there any argument against these charges? Or will I just have to pay up if I want to move out. I just can't see that it can possibly cost this much to change a name on a contract.
I am basically moving out in order to pre-emptively avoid a situation where I may not be able to pay my rent (I was made redundant at Christmas and am on a temporary contract ending soon). These charges will make negate any benefit.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Cxxx
I have been told that to assign my half of the contract to a new tenant the agent will charge £150 to the new tenant, £60 to the remaining tenant, and a further £150 'landlord administration'. £360 seems a ridiculous fee to change the name and contact details on an existing contract. I can't see why on earth my current flatmate should have to pay to stay in the flat to the end of the agreed tenancy.
None of these fees are listed in my contract. They are only listed in a 'Guide to Tenants' which I was only provided with yesterday after I enquired about assigning my tenancy i.e. not before I signed the contract or at the start of the tenancy.
I questioned these charges and I was told that all parties had to pay an admin fee to have a new contract drawn up as it will have to be 'completely re-done'. They said they 'have' to charge an admin fee citing the Cost of Leases Act. From what I can see the Cost of Leases Act actually says I'm under no obligation to pay any other party's lease costs??
Is there any argument against these charges? Or will I just have to pay up if I want to move out. I just can't see that it can possibly cost this much to change a name on a contract.
I am basically moving out in order to pre-emptively avoid a situation where I may not be able to pay my rent (I was made redundant at Christmas and am on a temporary contract ending soon). These charges will make negate any benefit.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Cxxx