£50 charge for signing a new Tenacy Agreement. Can the Landlord do that?

[SOD'EM]

Hi all,

 

We've been living in the same rented house for 5 years now. We are never late with the rent, and have never missed a payment. We now have to sign a new contract, and for the priveledge of signing, we have to pay the landlord £50.

 

The rent is high enough as it is. Is this standard procedure?

 

Can they do that?

 

Thanks in advance.

[citizenB]

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold

 

Have a word with Shelter - see what they have to say

[45002]

Hi all,

 

We've been living in the same rented house for 5 years now. We are never late with the rent, and have never missed a payment. We now have to sign a new contract, and for the privilege of signing, we have to pay the landlord £50.

 

The rent is high enough as it is. Is this standard procedure?

 

Can they do that?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Personal I would tell the LL to stick the 50 quid where the sun doesn't shine and find somewhere else to live...

 

You dont have to sign anything or pay 50 quid,but your LL could just end up serving you a s21...

 

It's your choice !

Edited January 17, 2013 by 45002

[Steve__M]

"Is this standard procedure?"

 

If your landlord is using an agent it is "standard procedure" for the agent to charge a fee ("standard" doesn't mean it is justified).

 

If your landlord is not using an agent it is highly unusual. But as above, LL can try to charge what he likes and you have the option of paying up, negotiating, or refusing to pay/sign and calling LL bluff. A polite letter objecting to fee and highlighting your benefits to LL as long term tenant etc. may help. You are not committing to paying till you sign. You do not have to move out if you don't sign - you only have to move out if LL gives the required Section 21 notice.

[45002]

"Is this standard procedure?"

 

 

Yes your correct

 

It's real name is called rip off Britain and been ripped off by some greedy landlord

[ashmk]

This happened to me, I made it clear it was not going to happen, he never mentioned it again. Still here years later.

 

I think the LL's like to try their luck with these but if you cave in then expect it every year.

[raydetinu]

Agree, speak to LL.

I am sure he would not want to loose a good tenant and all the hassle of getting a new one.