The petition on the Government website opposing the impending fees ban has now reached almost 8,000 signatures.
Essex agent Rob Farrelly is behind the petition, which calls for a cap on fees rather than a ban.
If the petition attracts 10,000 signatures, then the Government has to respond.
Farrelly, of Friend & Farrelly Property Services, said he is disappointed that ARLA is not supporting the petition, which launched last month.
He told EYE that the industry body has “expressed no interest and stated that they are taking their own measures”.
He went on: “I believe we can hit the 10,000 milestone very soon. I would love to get a response from the Government, especially when the topic is so hot.”
Comments (7)
The fees are not there to service the client or the tenant. The fees are thought up by agents, for agents.
Why are letting agents not bound by conflict of interest restrictions as selling agents and conveyancing solicitors are? Who are they truly working for?
Good riddance to the fees, I welcome quality service and perhaps an option of other, attractive but optional products (insurances, etc) in lieu of unnecessary fees.
Mr Farrelly, I respect your right to do this though hope HM Government will renew their commitment to the Bill.
You clearly do not know what you are talking about.
Thank you for the well worded argument, I stand corrected.
Hello Paul,
Whilst I respect your right to an opinion, (along with 8,001 others) we absolutely disagree. Clearly you have not read my appeal. I suggest a cap on fees so agents can cover their costs… I assume you do not own an estate agents in which you have built up for 8 years from nothing only to have a % of your revenue taken away by an unruly intrusive government???
Perhaps your a landlord? In which case you will see your agency fees rise? management fees rise, perhaps monies added to management jobs? Quality of service drop!
A tenant? You should expect steep rent increases which will heavily outweigh any agreed agency fee over the duration of your time at the property… oh and if its quality of service you are looking for… you can wave goodbye to that… agents are going to have to use the most cost effective services if this is passed as opposed to the highest quality services in which I know I personally opt for at the moment…
I agree a there are a small amount of agents have ‘milked’ the agency fees but a cap makes things fair for everyone?! I’m glad the (now 8,032) people agree and I believe there are a lot more that would like to sign and have their say… I do not expect to change your mind however as a business owner I understand in great depth the detrimental effect this will have on tenants, landlords and agents.
With Respect, Mr Wilson, I hope you are disappointed with the final result.
I totally agree with Paul Wilson’s comments, and good to see a rational and an intelligent comment.
The fees, even if they are capped, are unjust, and they often hit those people who can least afford to pay them. It is an indirect means of subsidising the rental sector, and is a classic example of how unsustainable financial mismanagement is applied. Regrettably seen this week on a very large scale. I am not a Conservative supporter, but their approach in this respect is welcome. My own situation, over three years, I had three section 21s served, and on each occasion I had to pay letting agent’s fees, as well as removal costs. A considerable sum of money. The work carried out does not justify the cost of the fees, many agents use a generic contract, with many clauses that are not relevant, and would not stand up if presented before a magistrate. The referencing system can be done for a very low cost, and does not give an assurance of finding a good tenant. After all, rents are not recorded by credit checking agencies. I work in property, as a freelance surveyor, and I have previously worked in environmental health. In terms of the fees, how would people feel if when they went to do their shopping at for instance Tesco, they had to pay money just to enter the shop? That is not free choice, and not competition. I have never seen one agent that advertises their charges, even though they should, which also demonstrates their attitude. One of the biggest issues is the lack of professionalism in the private rented sector, too many small landlords, who do not have a professional approach to business, not social responsibility. The PRS is fine for a small sector, and for some new builds, but not for a significant level of housing provision. There are some business models that are simply not sustainable, nor ethical. And the fees are one of them.
Are you a surveyor who provides a free service and pay all your overheads with no income?
I make a profit, but as a successful and an ethical business, and with all costs clearly explained to clients beforehand. As explained before, the business model currently in place with tenant fees, is not ethical, nor is it sustainable. The examples of many businesses that have failed in recent years does show that outdated models that are out of tough with the bulk of humanity will fail. All business deserves to thrive, but they have to listen, to adapt, and quite simply to be respected.