Are Letting Agents allowed to do this?

[Ljp22]

Interested in a flat for me and my partner and we've been asked to do an application form by the letting agents as well as pay a £525 deposit, the application form needs to pass a reference check and if it doesn't they will take £100 as admin fees and only return £425 of the deposit back to us, just wondering is this allowed as it sounds sketchy to me but I'm unsure of what the rules are regarding holding deposits

 

Thanks

[AndyOrch]

From 1 June 2020, it applies regardless of when your tenancy started.

The ban covers assured shorthold tenants, student lettings and lodgers living with a private landlord.

You can't be charged for things like:

• references
• administration
• credit and immigration checks
• renewing your tenancy when your fixed term contract ends

It covers fees charged to tenants and their guarantors.

 

 

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/letting_agent_fees_for_tenants

[London1971]

Sounds like a scam.You will not see that money back.

[fkofilee]

Could be legit but they havent adapted to the new regs yet... I know that some companies try to adapt but dont get it done in time. 

I would challenge them.

[London1971]

Exactly, and if they still demand the money, then something is wrong with them. However, if they were professional, they would know the new rules. So that in itself is a red flag.

[brassnecked]

I would be very suspicious of that for sure. Private lettings are a minefield still.

[ericsbrother]

basically the offer as quoted is illegal.

Now what does the £525 equate to as the new rules limit deposits as well.

 

I would ask for clarification on this email and read up on the new rules before doing so and that way you will hopefully see what is what.