letting agent not willing to refund fees when break clause activated
Letting Agents

islep
islep
0 Thanks
5 Posts
8 years ago
0
Hello,

We have let our property out through a well known on-line letting agent. They gave us a two year tenancy agreement to sign which we did, but I did not realise that the finder fees were based on a percentage of the term and not the annual rent. Apparently it was in the small print, but I have an email saying that the fees are based on the annual rent. This they said was amibiguous (rather than incorrect) and even so, they say it is the signed T&C that matters. The result is that we have to pay double that expected because it is a two year term. Also when I asked them about the break clause and if there would be a pro rata refund if this is activated after 6 months, they said no. Therefore, if the tenants decide to leave in 6 months, we will have to pay another finder's fee to get new tenants. I have checked their current T&Cs and they are silent on what happens with the fees if tenants move out via the break clause. I feel that while I have been foolish by not reading the T&Cs fully, they have been deceitful by giving us a 2 year term with no refund if the tenants move out. Would appreciate any advice. I have trawled the internet, but nothing about whether an agent has to refund fees if the break clause is activated. I am wondering if there is some sort of law governing this.

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