12/04/2017

A small minority of unscrupulous letting agents are targeted by government proposals to ban unfair letting agent fees so tenants only have to pay their rent, together with a returnable deposit, without being hit by unexpected demands for large up-front fees.

The proposed ban would also stop agents from double-charging renters and landlords for the same services and prevent letting agent fees from being charged by landlords and other third parties to get round the ban.

The latest in a series of measures to create a bigger, better and fairer private rented sector, the proposal follows closely on measures to give councils new powers to impose fines of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for landlords who commit a range of housing offences.

‘Banning letting agent fees paid by tenants’ invites views on how a ban should be implemented and enforced.