Unfair letting agent fees have been a thorn in the side of tenants across the UK for far too long. Thankfully, the law is on your side. If you’ve been charged unfair letting agent fees, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At National Claims, we’re dedicated to helping you understand your rights and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
Understanding Unfair Letting Agent Fees
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 brought significant changes to the lettings industry in England. This legislation aimed to protect tenants from excessive and hidden fees, making renting more transparent and affordable. However, some letting agents continue to flout the rules, charging fees that are prohibited under the Act.
These unfair letting agent fees can include charges for:
- Referencing: Letting agents are allowed to charge for referencing, but these fees must be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of the checks.
- Inventory checks: While agents can charge for inventory checks, these fees must be justifiable and not excessive.
- Administration: General administration fees are typically banned under the Act.
- Renewals: Letting agents cannot charge fees for renewing a tenancy agreement.
It’s crucial to remember that any fees charged outside of those explicitly permitted by the Tenant Fees Act 2019 are likely to be considered unfair. If you’re unsure whether a fee is legitimate, seek advice from a qualified professional.
How to Identify if You’ve Been Charged Unfair Letting Agent Fees
Identifying unfair letting agent fees can sometimes be tricky. Start by carefully reviewing your tenancy agreement and any associated paperwork. Look for any fees that seem excessive or fall outside the scope of permitted charges under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Vague descriptions: Fees with unclear descriptions like “administration” or “processing” should be questioned.
- High fees: Compare fees with other letting agents in the area to see if they are reasonable.
- Fees for services you didn’t request: If you’ve been charged for services you didn’t agree to, this could be unfair.
If you suspect you’ve been charged unfair letting agent fees, don’t hesitate to contact us at National Claims. We can help you determine if you have a valid claim.
Taking Action: How to Claim Compensation for Unfair Letting Agent Fees
If you believe you’ve been unfairly charged, the first step is to gather evidence. This includes your tenancy agreement, all correspondence with the letting agent, and any receipts or invoices for fees paid.
Next, contact the letting agent directly and explain why you believe the fees are unfair. They may be willing to refund the charges without further action.
If the letting agent refuses to cooperate, you can escalate the matter to a redress scheme. All letting agents are required to be members of a government-approved redress scheme. The redress scheme will investigate your complaint and can order the letting agent to refund the unfair fees and potentially pay additional compensation.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action to recover your losses. National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors specialising in landlord-tenant disputes who can guide you through the legal process.
Making a Housing Disrepair Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we recognise the profound impact that living in a state of disrepair can have on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’ve been affected by persistent dampness and mould, endured the discomfort of a faulty heating system, or suffered due to structural deficiencies in your home, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
We recognise that every housing disrepair case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, carefully review any evidence you have, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a solicitor from our panel who specialises in housing disrepair claims.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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