Are these landlord fees legal for a change of tenant?
I am moving out of a rental flat, and the other two tenants (it's a joint tenancy) are choosing to remain in the flat and replace me. We have done this previously (approx 1 year ago) and the landlord charged the outgoing tenant a flat £50 fee which I was anticipating. We entered a new joint tenancy in March this year, so this will be the first name change on this official tenancy.
When I informed the landlord of my plans, they stated that I would be expected to pay
- £22.50 replacement tenant referencing – for the incoming tenant
- £50 Change of Tenant / Deed of Assignment and administration - which I was anticipating, however thought would encompass the incoming tenant referencing
- Mid-tenancy Change of Sharer Condition Report - for a currently unspecified charge
So this is the first time they seem to be charging separately for referencing and a condition report.
A quick Google has suggested that the referencing fees and the condition report are unlawful to charge to tenants, but I'd like some advice before I go back to the landlord and argue this - does anyone have any experience with this, especially under the new Renters Rights as our last name change happened before this kicked in?