Tenants reclaimed £100,000 in unlawful fees from property agents

Published on 27/07/2012 11:29

MORE than £100,000 has been reclaimed by tenants following the launch of a website aimed at challenging unlawful fees charged by agents.

Shelter Scotland has helped 870 people to start through Reclaimyourfees.com, which was launched only two months ago.

The website offers information and advice on what letting agents can and cannott legally charge new or existing tenants.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “That over 800 people sought advice in only two months to try and reclaim £100,998 of unlawful fees further consolidates our belief that some letting agents are routinely ripping off tenants by charging extortionate and unjustified upfront fees.

“We hope that the Reclaim Your Fees website continues to help private tenants to claim a refund for charges made unlawfully by their letting agent.”

The charity says it wants to see a long-term solution to unlawful fees and is calling on the Scottish Government to clarify existing legislation.