Comments on: Office of Fair Trading welcomes ruling over unfair Foxtons terms

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:14:16 +0000

Thanks for that. Unfortunately, the property in question is not easily accessible in case of emergencies, so is managed locally by an agent – generally a good arrangement.

By: Letting a Property

Letting a Property — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:16:09 +0000

Hi Karen, you might want to review their Landlord Terms of Business - they should stipulate when and how the fees will be deducted. If you are not satisfied with their service, you would normally be required to give beween 1 to 2 months written notice. Have you thought about managing the properties your self and using a rent collection service instead?

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:46:33 +0000

I have been charged repeat letting fees for nearly 20 years. The managing agent deducts them before sending me what remains of the rent. I have now drawn their attention to the Foxtons ruling (though i am sure they were aware of it) but so far they are ignoring my letter and email. Can you suggest any effective approaches?

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:39:47 +0000

Hi,
I really liked your blog!
Regards,
Jane

By: Letting a Property

Letting a Property — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:59:12 +0000

Robert, that is a hefty fee. Although it is not officially illegal to charge renewal fees, what would be unfair is if the Agent hadn’t told you about the renewal fees in the first place or if the terms were not obvious in the agreement that you would have signed. Before going legal I would make an appointment to see the Owner / Manager and try to settle at a reasonable fee. If they are not reasonable and you believe that the terms are not clear in the contract, then seek legal advice.

By: Robert Poisson

Robert Poisson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:36:59 +0000

Well i simpathise with you although i’m using Marsh & Parsons in Balham, South london and they want to charge me £2340 for simply renewing a 12 month contract with the same tenants !!!! is there any way i can challemge this fee without going legal ?

By: Letting a Property

Letting a Property — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:06:16 +0000

Paulette, £800 is an enormous amount to pay on a renewal fee. I can understand why you would be upset! Next time, consider advertising on our site – we don’t charge renewal fees at all

By: Paulette White

Paulette White — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:57:38 +0000

I have always only had an Introductory service with Andrews Lettings but on the last occasion they did no work – I contacted the tenants we mutually agreed to renew, I drew up a new Agreement, got them to sign it and that was the matter finished. I then got a bill for £800 from the Agents for doing nothing. This is grossly unfair and the OFT should draw up a sliding scale of charges depending on the amount of work undertaken by the Agents. In fact if it is only introductory and the Landlord negotiates renewal there should be no charge.