An accommodation agency may charge you an administration fee for checking references and sometimes your credit history. Whilst this may be common practice, it is arguably unlawful as it may be regarded as a premium– any money which has to be paid additional to the rent in order to secure a property.
It is unlawful for a landlord or letting agent to charge a premium. Further examples include:
- a fee for granting or renewing a tenancy (known as 'key money') or for providing a written tenancy agreement
- for putting your name on a list
- providing a list of properties available for renting.