Letting agent 'check out fee'

wanderingsoul · 27th November 2007, 15:08

Greetings all,
I have been through as much info as possible and cannot find a similar post regarding check out fees. Please let me know if I am posting this incorrectly or leaving out any info.

My letting agent is charging a £45 check out fee. I wonder what this is for, and if it must be paid? It is in the contract, which is signed. The contract says that they are proud of the fact this is the only charge they have (except the £145 admin fee they charged to conduct previous property searches etc - despite the fact that I am not from the UK so didn't hold any previous address. When asked if they searched my home country, they said no. So, basically I paid £145 to check my history of one month in the UK when it is supposed to be a 5 year search.)

I will pay the fee if it is reasonably due, though I struggle understand what £45 actually pays for.

Any advice is appreciated, as is your time.

MrShed · 27th November 2007, 18:02

It will be to pay for the inventory check out. This is unfortunately a fair charge.

wanderingsoul · 28th November 2007, 11:26

OK, thanks Mr Shed.
I figured.....I am happy to pay if it is justified.

Thanks again for your time

demon_x_slash · 28th November 2007, 11:59

I'm never renting through an agency again - it's face-to-face with the landlord next time. Our current LL is an angel - but the agency delight in wringing the blood from your veins with these charges. £82 for photocopying - ahem, sorry, renewing - the tenancy, pah...!

wanderingsoul · 28th November 2007, 12:22

Ah! Indeed, Demon Slash!

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much else that we can do - besides what you said - go directly through the owner of the property.

demon_x_slash · 28th November 2007, 12:38

WS - don't forget, if they're charging you the money, make sure you get everything you've paid for. If they say it's for an exit inventory, make sure one actually gets done; they can't make the charge if they don't perform the service...

wanderingsoul · 28th November 2007, 13:18

Exactly right. Luckily, at the beginning of the tenancy I went around the flat before moving any furniture in with a digital camera. When I submitted the inventory form, I also sent in a copy of the digital photos on disc to prove the condition of what was agreed nearly 12 months ago.

I would recommend everyone do that. Perhaps they wont try to rip me off - though at least I am ready if they do!

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