On 12 June 2013, Shelter published its findings from its mystery shopping in 58 letting agents around the country, out of a possible 15,000 agents. The charity found that many letting agents charged prospective tenants more than £400 to set up the tenancy, with seven agents charging renters over £700.
As a result of this study, Shelter is campaigning to end letting agency fees for tenants.
At Belvoir Shrewsbury, our application fees are transparent and fair. We charge an agreement fee of £192.00 and then a vetting fee of £36.00 per applicant. If a guarantor is required, a fee of £60 is payable.
These fees cover our administration, vetting, tenancy agreement preparation, inventory preparation and deposit protection costs. We do not charge larger application fees than are required to cover our business costs.
If the landlord refuses to proceed, despite satisfactory references, the application fees would be refunded.
The lettings industry remains unregulated, which gives scope for unfair practices to go unchecked. At Belvoir Shrewsbury, we have voluntarily signed up to a number of regulatory schemes. We are a SAFE Agent, are licensed by the Safeagent Scheme (Safeagent) and follow a code of practice outlined by the Property Ombudsman.
You can have confidence that your dealings with Belvoir Shrewsbury are fair and meet industry standards.
