Rip-off

[bartholomew]

2 weeks ago I concluded an agreement with estate agents as I want to rent a flat. Prior to moving though I have to pay �1038, which is in the agreement. Yestarday the guy from the same agency told me that I would have to pay tax on top of the above mentioned amount.

What do you think I should do?

[ursula62]

Get them to itemise this sum.

Chances are that a lot of it is a 6 or 8 week deposit, that will be held in trust by the agency for the landlord.

They are also entitled to charge you an admin fee for doing the credit checks and opening a file on you.

However, in law they cannot change you, the tenant, a finders fee or a placement fee. Their contract is with the landlord not with you.