Exploitative letting agents receive criticism for high admin fees

Letting agents are fuelling the housing crisis by extortionate fees being charged to tenants. ‘Rip-off” agencies in England and Wales, according to local government leaders, are responsible for charging non-refundable admin costs, which incredibly can go in excess of £500.

Government leaders are declaring to Communities and Local government select committee, that significantly more powers are needed to protect tenants across the country from exploitative agents and rogue landlords. More and more people are forced to the private rented sector.

With people trying to find a home, these high letting fees are effectively acting as a barrier, preventing them to do so, a claim made by Town Halls.

It has gotten to the point where letting agents have been set up by some local authorities themselves, to secure tenants get a fair deal.

"With the housing market stagnant and a shortage of mortgages available to help first-time buyers, people are increasingly turning to the private rented sector to find a home." Said Cllr Tony Newman, from the LGA’s environment and housing board.

It’s an unfortunate situation for people who are looking for good rental properties, and one that diligently needs safe guards put into place, in order to protect people from bad landlords and dishonest letting agents.

As Letting agents are subject to consumer protection legislation, tenants who feel they have suffered poor practice are urged to report the problem to their local trading standards officer or the Office of Fair Trading.

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