Lettings agent trying to get £300 for advertising fees

[Ant1987]

Hi,

I'm new to this so I hope all who reads understands my situation!

 

I'm currently privately letting via an estate agents. I decided in July to end my tenancy early (end of contract is December) to move out of the property on the 8th September (paid last months rent up to the 8th) now my problem isn't that the landlord is refusing I leave he is fine with us ending early.

 

 

But when I went into the office of the lettings agents I was told that I had to pay £250 plus vat this is for readvertising fees and also I have to pay up to the new tenant moves in ( the last part I understand is pretty much the norm when ending early) my problem is the first part, the £300 for their so called re advertising, my landlord is turning my flat into a council place, so no longer with the letting agents although I'm ringing the agents daily to find out any more news even though this is technically not their responsibility anymore,

 

well that's my thought anyway but I've never lived in a council property so I don't understand their procedures, but I'm worrying about this £300 as there has been no advertising except they put old pictures they had on file back on their website,

 

I've had no viewings etc. to me this amount should be ' void' but I'm worrying as they won't give me my deposit until the next move in, and even said they will take the £300 out of my deposit which I refused! I am leaving by the 8th September but they have me in a tight spot as they have my £600 deposit at their disposal and I do not want to loose my house and be technically homeless if I have to pay this amount and pay up to the new people move in!

Thank you in advance

Edited August 13, 2013 by citizenB

[citizenB]

Whilst you are waiting on advice from other caggers, it might be worth having a word with Shelter they have a dedicated department to help with issues such as these.

 

Ring 0808 800 4444 - Free helpline

 

8am-8pm Monday-Friday

8am-5pm Saturday-Sunday

 

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

[raydetinu]

What agreement have you got with the LL about leaving early? anything in writing about the rent he is losing or deposit.

Legally you would be liable for the rent until the end of the contract and you would lose your deposit to cover a part that.

However if you say he is now letting through the council ( have you proof of that ) then he cant get paid twice, so you would only be liable until it is re-let.

The LA cannot charge you any thing only the LL can do that.

[ericsbrother]

The LA works for the landlord, not you so tell them that if there is a bill to be paid to send it to their client.

[crash3903]

Is there a clause is your AST that states "You will be responsible for all reasonable costs in the event you terminate early" or similar?