Tenant Fees Act
It has been 7 months on since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act was introduced on 1 June 2019 and some letting agents are still charging prohibited fees.
The Property Ombudsman Scheme has received over 100 complaints and the Property Redress Scheme has received an equal share.
Agents need to bear in mind that a breach of the Act can be deemed a civil and a criminal offence. Up to £5,000 penalty fee can be charged per unlawful fee charged and for serial offenders, an unlimited fine.
The local authority which covers the property has the discretion to either prosecute or impose a penalty of up to £30,000.
Agents should be reviewing their practices (if they haven’t done so already) now ensuring they are not breaching the Act.
