References Fee's

[sammie85]

Hi

Can anyone help me! I went to a estate agent and found a flat that I liked. I put down my 1 weeks holding deposit, along with �58 for a reference check. The reference check came back fine, but soon after this, the estate agent phoned me and told me that the landlord had found somebody else who he wanted to move in. His now saying im not entitled to my �58 (reference check) money back, only my holding deposit, even though I didnt back out. Im 19, so have no experience with estate agents before. If you know of any way I could get my money back, or if i am entitled to it back please let me know.

[Tweed]

I've never been asked, nor have I ever heard of a reference check. I'd say that the estate agent is a chancer. You need to be careful when choosing one, they are one of the most hated professions, with good reason, I've had lots of problems with estate agents/landlords, they really just want your money.

[natalie_1982]

I worked in an estate agents for a year last year and don't recall ever hearing of a reference check, though maybe it was just our company that didn't.

 

I also have rented a property throgh a different estate agent and I never had to pay the reference checking fee.

 

Go see you local CAB.

[alan downing]

If it is covered under the Consumer Credit act the most he can charge is �5 I think. Why not contact trading standards people or the Citizens Advise?

[sammy snake]

I rented a house about 5 years ago and the letting agents that I used also charged a 'reference checking' fee of �58ish.

I didn't have any problems though so never tried to ask for it back.

[willow74]

most agencies do now charge a referencing fee.  Ranging from �50 - �150.  It is meant to pay for the bank, employers references.  This is pretty standard nowdays

I would write a letter to them, or alternatively if you are still looking for a place to rent stay with the agency who have your �58.  You have paid for the reference check facility therefore they will not charge you again. 

[sammie85]

Thanks for your help. I told the estate agent if he didnt return my money then I would take it further and he has now agreed to return all my money! Thank you!

[ursula62]

When I rented a house for a year 3 years ago I had to pay �75 "administration charge" to the agency, even though they were charging the landlady a percentage of the rent as a finders fee. Although it is illegal to charge the tenant a finders fee for finding you a property, it is perfectly legal to charge an administration fee to cover costs of opening a file on you, doing the security checks etc. As far as I'm aware, there is no way to get this back, especially since you probably signed something that explained the basis of the charge. The only thing to do is try and get your money's worth by using the same agency to source your next potential residence. That way if they ask you for the �58 again, you can tell them they did references a few weeks ago.