Landlords Always Read The Small Print!
Why we advise all landlords to read the terms and conditions when letting out their property using a letting agent.
It has come to our attention in recent months that some letting agents are charging landlords exuberant withdrawal fees. These fees are payable if landlords wish to take their property from under the letting agents management. The landlord may want to sell their property or swap to another letting agent. The withdrawal fees we have seen range from £150 to two months rent! Withdrawal fee are very restrictive. Landlords should be able to move away from a letting agent if desired. At Findahome Online we do not charge a fee if a landlord wants to move their property, all we ask for is a months written notice.
In addition to withdrawal fees we have also seen some other points of concern in terms and conditions. One agent charges landlords to organise their annual gas safety checks. This is NOT included in their management service! The gas safety certificate is at an inflated price too. Not only is the agent charging for booking the gas safety check in, they are also making a secret profit on top of the normal cost of the certificate. For more information on ‘secret profits’ see our news piece from November 2021 https://www.findahomeonline.co.uk/news/2021/letting-agents-making-a-secret-profit
How, you may ask has this come to light? In the last 6 months of 2022 we have had a number of landlords moving their rental properties over to us from other letting agents. This has involved them giving notice to their current agent and in some cases paying withdrawal fees. A number of landlords admitted to not properly reading the terms and conditions. In some cases a costly mistake!
Our advice is to read everything in letting agents terms and conditions. Don’t be afraid to challenge points you don’t like, walk away if necessary. A good letting agent will send you their terms and conditions long before you commit to anything. Ours are available by request at any time. For a list of our additional charges to landlords go to https://www.findahomeonline.co.uk/let-a-home/
Why have we had an influx of landlords? 5 star customer service and transparent fair fees! And a very special offer!
Landlords have taken up our move your property over for FREE offer! (terms and conditions apply). Please contact us for more information; Stoke-on-Trent 01782 318067, Nantwich 01270 617202.
