heather5
04-12-2007, 19:58 PM
Hi Guys
Apologies for the long-post and thank you in advance for all who read and comment.
I appreciate that this is a site for Landlord’s but am writing as a tenant and hoping to get some perspective on this.
I appreciate you guys have problem tenants – but I’m a normal, honest, good tenant who has always had problems with properties and landlords but has resolved them and never sought compensation for all the problems I’ve faced. I’ve rented over 25 years here and overseas – only since returning to this country 10 years ago have I been faced every year with having to move due to LL selling – with me in it and still paying rent – so I’ve lived in over 11 properties in 10 years to date – it will be 12 within 10 years soon.
I don’t begrudge you guys at all, but I am a bit concerned that the Letting Agents you are going through are cashing in on you – and perhaps to your detriment. As result of my last experience, I will never go through an LA again after this – even if I’m putting all my furniture in storage (every place I’ve been to has only been unfurnished – not choice – it’s how it is) and renting a room.
As my current landlord has sold 7 month’s into my 1 year’s tenancy (this is normal for me!) – I am now going through renting another property – a tiny studio in a large block through an Estate Agenty/Letting Agent (I am stupidly hoping that since the LL has had the property for over 7 years and I'm more than covering the mortgage - it'll be long-term).
However, I’m some what confused about how much I am being asked to pay and potentially pay by the Letting Agent, aside from the normal I have come to expect as a result of going through a LA to rent from the LL.
Is this just a sign of the times?
Is this enforceable by law - via the Letting Agent without my signing anything? They just sent me a sheet with this information in the post after I had paid for the credit check on agreeing to take on the property.
Most of it was news to me! I’ve not met this before at all.
Surely if this is to be part of the agreement, the tenant should know about it before agreeing to take on the property and should have to sign that they agree to such terms? I was not made aware of these extra charges.
Is this just paranoia on behalf of the LA – having been sued so many times by LLs - or are they looking to make a fast buck to support their ailing Sales part of the agency?
Details:
Fee : non-returnable : £176.25 inc VAT
Doesn’t state what is being checked – at all but Reference Agency has contacted my employer and previous LL (another LA who is charging me £45 for doing it). Does it automatically include a credit check – I assumed yes but it doesn’t say so and based on below - am suggesting no?
Additional Bank Status enquiry – cost minimum £12 charged by the bank to me – didn’t know about that – was not explained when I filled in the form I would be charged by my bank – now curious what I will be charged without my knowing.
Deposit against damages (please note wording) – 1 month’s rent + ½ rent, minimum £200 – so I am renting a studio and paying more than 1 ½ months rent. No interest paid.
Paying deposit : need to provide bank statement as well when you pay the deposit to prove you have funds to pay it and must pay by banker’s draft only. I have not, for the past 10 years, ever paid my deposit by cheque - I have always done it via online banking. Banker's draft - what's that? I last produced a banker's draft for the Royal Festival Hall that was hired for a well-known artist in 1981!!! Only 'cos he was prone to not showing up - and surprise he didn't but we had insurance to cover it.
Cash not accepted!
If rent not received in time during any month (your fault or not) cost = £20 to LA + bank costs + 3% per weekly interest. [surely that’s unlawful]?
Landlord wants to sell : If the tenant cannot be present, it will be discussed that the agent will visit and will gain access using the keys that they hold.
Choosing a vacant property – if the LL is prepared to “wait for you” have to pay 1 ½ months deposit in advance the moment the checks are done and sign the tenancy agreement before moving in otherwise you’ll lose you deposit, even if LL decides not to let to you after all - you will not be refunded - end of story.
Check-out fee deducted from deposit. Based on report from inventory clerk (who will take photos) (curious to have them take photos when I check-in!!). Checkout fee ranges £60 studio - £90 for 5 bed + additional £10 for conservatory, outbuildings, shed, etc. Seems weighted against lower rental properties.
If property not deemed as back in good order = £29.38 per hour until time given back in good order deducted from deposit.
Deposit refund – only by cheque to tenants after 12 days providing forwarding address given.
Future References = £17.63 +
Renew tenancy = doesn’t give any information about the costs or circumstances.
I was desperate to find somewhere within my two months move out date and so have gone to the sharks - because I work - and just don't have the time to deal with this stuff.
But as I said before - if this is normal - I will not ever go through an LA again. Sadly I will also say to you guys that there have been many times as a result of their actions, I could have taken things to court against the LL but have not because I understand these things.
However, is it lawful for a LA to charge in this way and deduct from your account and deposit directly - when you have no agreement with them whatsoever - but that they are going to take from the deposit the LL rightful has redress to?
That doesn't seem right to me!
Thanks in advance for any comments and apologies for the long post.
Apologies for the long-post and thank you in advance for all who read and comment.
I appreciate that this is a site for Landlord’s but am writing as a tenant and hoping to get some perspective on this.
I appreciate you guys have problem tenants – but I’m a normal, honest, good tenant who has always had problems with properties and landlords but has resolved them and never sought compensation for all the problems I’ve faced. I’ve rented over 25 years here and overseas – only since returning to this country 10 years ago have I been faced every year with having to move due to LL selling – with me in it and still paying rent – so I’ve lived in over 11 properties in 10 years to date – it will be 12 within 10 years soon.
I don’t begrudge you guys at all, but I am a bit concerned that the Letting Agents you are going through are cashing in on you – and perhaps to your detriment. As result of my last experience, I will never go through an LA again after this – even if I’m putting all my furniture in storage (every place I’ve been to has only been unfurnished – not choice – it’s how it is) and renting a room.
As my current landlord has sold 7 month’s into my 1 year’s tenancy (this is normal for me!) – I am now going through renting another property – a tiny studio in a large block through an Estate Agenty/Letting Agent (I am stupidly hoping that since the LL has had the property for over 7 years and I'm more than covering the mortgage - it'll be long-term).
However, I’m some what confused about how much I am being asked to pay and potentially pay by the Letting Agent, aside from the normal I have come to expect as a result of going through a LA to rent from the LL.
Is this just a sign of the times?
Is this enforceable by law - via the Letting Agent without my signing anything? They just sent me a sheet with this information in the post after I had paid for the credit check on agreeing to take on the property.
Most of it was news to me! I’ve not met this before at all.
Surely if this is to be part of the agreement, the tenant should know about it before agreeing to take on the property and should have to sign that they agree to such terms? I was not made aware of these extra charges.
Is this just paranoia on behalf of the LA – having been sued so many times by LLs - or are they looking to make a fast buck to support their ailing Sales part of the agency?
Details:
Fee : non-returnable : £176.25 inc VAT
Doesn’t state what is being checked – at all but Reference Agency has contacted my employer and previous LL (another LA who is charging me £45 for doing it). Does it automatically include a credit check – I assumed yes but it doesn’t say so and based on below - am suggesting no?
Additional Bank Status enquiry – cost minimum £12 charged by the bank to me – didn’t know about that – was not explained when I filled in the form I would be charged by my bank – now curious what I will be charged without my knowing.
Deposit against damages (please note wording) – 1 month’s rent + ½ rent, minimum £200 – so I am renting a studio and paying more than 1 ½ months rent. No interest paid.
Paying deposit : need to provide bank statement as well when you pay the deposit to prove you have funds to pay it and must pay by banker’s draft only. I have not, for the past 10 years, ever paid my deposit by cheque - I have always done it via online banking. Banker's draft - what's that? I last produced a banker's draft for the Royal Festival Hall that was hired for a well-known artist in 1981!!! Only 'cos he was prone to not showing up - and surprise he didn't but we had insurance to cover it.
Cash not accepted!
If rent not received in time during any month (your fault or not) cost = £20 to LA + bank costs + 3% per weekly interest. [surely that’s unlawful]?
Landlord wants to sell : If the tenant cannot be present, it will be discussed that the agent will visit and will gain access using the keys that they hold.
Choosing a vacant property – if the LL is prepared to “wait for you” have to pay 1 ½ months deposit in advance the moment the checks are done and sign the tenancy agreement before moving in otherwise you’ll lose you deposit, even if LL decides not to let to you after all - you will not be refunded - end of story.
Check-out fee deducted from deposit. Based on report from inventory clerk (who will take photos) (curious to have them take photos when I check-in!!). Checkout fee ranges £60 studio - £90 for 5 bed + additional £10 for conservatory, outbuildings, shed, etc. Seems weighted against lower rental properties.
If property not deemed as back in good order = £29.38 per hour until time given back in good order deducted from deposit.
Deposit refund – only by cheque to tenants after 12 days providing forwarding address given.
Future References = £17.63 +
Renew tenancy = doesn’t give any information about the costs or circumstances.
I was desperate to find somewhere within my two months move out date and so have gone to the sharks - because I work - and just don't have the time to deal with this stuff.
But as I said before - if this is normal - I will not ever go through an LA again. Sadly I will also say to you guys that there have been many times as a result of their actions, I could have taken things to court against the LL but have not because I understand these things.
However, is it lawful for a LA to charge in this way and deduct from your account and deposit directly - when you have no agreement with them whatsoever - but that they are going to take from the deposit the LL rightful has redress to?
That doesn't seem right to me!
Thanks in advance for any comments and apologies for the long post.