Quick Question on Letting Agent References

[HereBeMonsters]

Hope someone with experience can provide a quick answer - we're moving from our flat where we've been for 5 years, to a house which is being let by a different agent. Does our current agent have to provide a reference free of charge to the new agent?

New agent seems to think it is a legal thing that they have to provide this reference, and they are not allowed to charge for it. Current agent wants to charge £20 each (me + wife) for the priviledge. Can they do this?

[anonymous-user]

We just had this, I am moving from one flat to another, my agent wanted to charge so my new agent suggested if I had contact with the landlord ask them direct.

My landlady gave me a glowing reference for free

HTH

[HereBeMonsters]

Unfortunately we have never had any contact with the person who actually owns the property, ever. I don't think we even have a name or address.

[HereBeMonsters]

Ah, I wondered why no-one had replied to this again. It's been moved to the back of a locked filing cabinet inside a disused basement lavatory with a sign on the door saying beware of the leopard.

[HereBeMonsters]

Anyone? Help please!

[HereBeMonsters]

Can we please move this to somewhere that actually gets checked by more than 1 person a day?

[neilsie]

legally your contract has to give the name/address of the landlord.

can't help you otherwise!

[Wings]

HereBeMonsters said:

Hope someone with experience can provide a quick answer - we're moving from our flat where we've been for 5 years, to a house which is being let by a different agent. Does our current agent have to provide a reference free of charge to the new agent?

New agent seems to think it is a legal thing that they have to provide this reference, and they are not allowed to charge for it. Current agent wants to charge £20 each (me + wife) for the priviledge. Can they do this?

No, your present agent does not have to give you a reference, and Yes, they can request payment (legalised robbery) to provide you with a reference. I do not charge my tenants a fee for references, with some tenants just giving the new letting agents my address. So can you not just give the new agents your last agents name and address, or an alternative person/persons/company as a reference.

[superlightr]

neilsie said:

legally your contract has to give the name/address of the landlord.

can't help you otherwise!

no it doesnt. Its only on written request does it have to be provided.


Yes the agent can charge for providing a reference (they are a business after all), you dont have to pay it & they dont have to write one.

If they do write one what they put should be truthful.