Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

Taking The Piss: Agency Fees

Edition 4

Who’s trumping the rip off in unwarranted costs?

I spent a hectic two months looking for a cheap flat to rent with my boyfriend. We knew that moving place was expensive, but we were shocked by all the added agency fees, which includes reference costs to other admin-based concoctions. As of 27 May 2015, letting agents are obliged to publicise a full tariff of their fees. That’s definitely a step in the right direction. But Scotland has outlawed agency fees, surely we should be pushing for this? Here’s a snapshot of the fees I came across.

(Admin Fees based on 1 person/couple looking for a 1 bed flat in Bristol (3 mile radius from centre) May 2015)

04-taking the piss-big


 £12  = 3 pints or year long Cable co-op membership!

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Report a comment. Comments are moderated according to our Comment Policy.

  • I rent through Piper, they’re awesome. Only agency in Bristol signed up to the Bristol ethical lettings charter I believe.

Related content

‘They needed to know how wrong this was’: one woman’s battle against council bailiffs

Bristol City Council claims to have an ‘ethical’ debt collection policy, but has sent bailiffs to thousands of vulnerable residents’ doors. After pressure from ACORN, the council has finally committed to investigate.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with ACORN’s Wesley Bear on activism, the Barton House evacuation, and frosty relations with the council

Relations between Bristol City Council and community union ACORN have become increasingly fractious, with recent clashes over council tax and the evacuation of a Barton Hill tower block. Neil asks Wesley why, and whether there's a way back.

Wielding the strength of the union: ACORN Bristol’s demands

ACORN asked its members: What kind of city do you want to live in? The result was a long list of demands.

Protesters claim victory in blocking “illegal” eviction

ACORN campaigners have stopped former Bristol City Football Club director from evicting a mother and her three small children from their home.

Victory for campaign as mayor scraps council tax changes

The plans would have hit 16,000 of the poorest households.

Pressure builds on mayor to drop council tax changes that hit poorest

Brewing rebellion by Labour party and councillors following ACORN campaign.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning