Concern has been raised from a tenant of mine about Connells estate agent asking for a moving in fee of £42 after a viewing they had expressed interest in.
Can an estate agent charge a tenant a moving in fee?
Illegal now, isn’t it ?
I believe so, the tenant fees act from how I comprehend, does not allow any fee other than those stated in the act.
No mention of a moving in fee. From when my tenant had raised concern suggestion was made to receive this request in writing and reference made to the act.
Unless there is another agenda by the estate agent
Check which type of tenancy the Agent is planning to issue. For an AST, a fee would be illegal, but I have heard of Agent’s deliberately issuing ATs, (fully Assured Tenancies) to get around the legislation. This would be against the interests of the landlord as s21 would then not be an option if things go wrong. If this is what they’re planning, then I suggest you change Agent.