Estate Agents Admin Fees

[chrissa1]

The renewal of lease on my lovely little flat is up for renewal in, November. I received an email, from the estate agents today, asking me if I wanted to renew it. I do.

They are also charging me £120 for "admin." This has come as a bit of a shock as I live on a pension.

What would the affect be on my tenancy if I refused to pay this?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Could you contact the lease company direct..or do you have to deal with an agent.

[bednobs]

i would imagine your tenancy would not continue, as no paperwrok would get done!

[chrissa1]

It's a private rental and my rent goes direct to the owner. Should/could I contact, her?

[ummmm]

Worth a try.

[mazie]

If your rent goes direct to the owner Chrissa why is there an estate agent involved?

[chrissa1]

That's what I don't understand, mazie.

[Prudie]

Even if you pay rent direct to the owner many private owners use a letting agent (often part of estate agents) to manage their admin for them. Contacting the owner is a good idea.

[ummmm]

Maybe to deal with inspections/repairs.

[irishmaid]

The Estate Agent will be 'managing' your property for the private landlord. Although the 'admin' consists of pressing a few buttons on a computer it is usual to charge for a Tenancy renewal. The landlord probably has to pay them too so its a win win situation as usual for the Estate Agents!

[chrissa1]

The only contact I've had is with the owner's nephew, who I am meant to call if something goes wrong. I think I'll get in touch with him. All the estate agents want is my signature, and they want £120 for sending out a letter. Daylight robbery, if you ask me.

[mazie]

I'm not sure how these things work Chrissa. If you have your landlords number it might be worth giving them a call. How long have you been in the flat?

[chrissa1]

Pft, irishmaid. :(

[chrissa1]

It'll be a year, this November.

[mazie]

If your rent is always on time and the flat is in order that makes you a good tenant. No landlord wants to lose that. I would talk to the owners chrissa...Good luck x

[bednobs]

the owner sounds very hands off, which is prob why she has an agency acting for her. If she wants it to continue that way, she'll have to pay the £120 if she wnts to keep ou and you cant

[chrissa1]

I'll speak to her nephew, tomorrow. Thanks, all.

I am the Perfect tenant. :)

[mazie]

Hope it all goes well for you chrissa x

[chrissa1]

Thanks, mazie.

[ladybirder]

Can't you just carry on living there without renewing and you will just be on a Rolling Tenancy (I forget the technical name)? Ask Citizens Advice or even better ask Shelter.
There is a change.org going the rounds to stop these outrageous fees by letting agents. They are getting bigger and bigger and now charging for every little thing. I hope it succeeds.

[ladybirder]

Here's a bit more info chrissa.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/ending_a_tenancy