Tenants to claim back credit check fees according to Citzens Advice Bureau

Letting agencies in Perth are to be questioned over fees that are illegal in Scotland according to latest reports.

Under section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011) its illegal for any practice of private letting agency to charge tenants for personal credit checks.

Not only does it include credit checks it also covers various lists.

Credit checks - fees for carrying out credit checks Reference checks - fees for carrying out reference checks Inventory fees - charges for checking and preparing an inventory Renewal fees – any administration charge to renew an existing tenancy Holding fees - any non refundable 'holding fees' or similar payment as an inducement to grant a tenancy Copies of the lease - charges for arranging duplicate copies of the lease Transfer fees - a payment to formally transfer a tenancy to someone else (known as ‘assignment’) Overpriced furniture - sale of furniture to a tenant for an excessive price

Margaret Burgess, the Minister for Housing and Welfare stated in the Scottish Parliament that: “Any person who requires payment of such a premium, and any person who receives the premium, is guilty of an offence under section 82 of the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 (as amended by section 32 of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act 2011)”.

Perth and Kinross Citizens Advice Bureau has also highlighted the fact on their social media channels, along with Shelter Scotland who are continuously campaigning about.

For more information about claiming fees back click here, and for more local advice please contact CAB Perth by clicking here.