The government has revealed that it has received over 4,700 responses to its official consultation over the proposed ban on letting agents’ fees levied on tenants in England.
The announcement came in a written parliamentary answer by housing minister Alok Sharma to the Labour MP Roger Godsiff.
The Labour member wanted reassurance that the government’s proposed fee ban would take place despite the minority status of Theresa May’s administration, to which Sharma replied: “The government recently announced in the Queen’s Speech its intention to publish a draft bill to ban letting fees paid by tenants in England.”
He continued: “A ban will mean that tenants are better able to search around for properties that suit their budget with no hidden costs.
“This is preferable to tenants being hit with upfront charges that can be difficult for them to afford.
“The approach taken in the draft bill will be informed by the recent public consultation, which closed on June 2 and received over 4,700 responses.
“These responses are being analysed. The Government will publish its response to the consultation in due course and further information on the draft bill will follow.”
You can see the full question and answer on Hansard here.
Last week Theresa May, when asked during Prime Minister’s Questions, also confirmed the legislation would be enacted but declined to give any timetable. In view of the government's high profile commitment to introduce a ban, ARLA has questioned why the official consultation even took place.
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He continued: “A ban will mean that tenants are better able to search around for properties that suit their budget with no hidden costs."
There should be no hidden costs as all agents must advertise their fees by law. Any that do not should face fines. Simple really.
99.9% of tenant we get registering know and understand there are agents fees to pay and most factor that into there budget.
As most agents have said before and will no doubt continue to say, a cap on fees charged is a fairer way to go rather than an outright ban which, ultimately, will result in increased rents.
We all as agents have to understanding this is happening, and need to put measures in place to take on this fact it is happening. A cap is not happening.
Let's be honest. This situation has arisen because of the greed of many agents.
I charge tenants £75 for fees and £50 of that is profit. Credit and reference checks cost £3 a tenant and contracts are standard.
Many other agents in my local area charge upwards of £400-£500 for fees. They use the same credit checking systems as us and and do no more work than us.
Agents have used the ability to charge fees to generate excessive profits from tenants whilst still charging landlords management fees of 10-15%.
At last! An agent (Alex) writes what we all know - most agents are ripping off tenants!
I'd suggest that those charging very modest fees will survive and those who don't, won't. Rather than STILL calling for a cap it's time review your business model! If you think you can lump the fee onto landlords - who's yields are under ever increasing pressure (even more so WHEN interest rates rise) and they'll accept being double charged and just bump the rent to cover, you're living in cloud cuckoo land!!
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