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Tenants facing ‘hidden’ fees What the agents charge


A DAMNING report has found a plethora of problems for residen- tial renters in Maidstone. Citizens Advice Maidstone (Cam)


found bewildering fees and charges were passed on to prospective ten- ants, with a lack of basic informa- tion, when it carried out a mystery shop of some of the town’s top let- ting agents. The research, which followed a


web survey, revealed not only big differences between agents’ fees and charges, but high bills for credit checks and registration fees. Some customers had to pay be-


tween £150 and £360 for a credit check (although an extensive credit check can be obtained for £49.99). Other fees included were for ap- plication, registration, documenta- tion, inventory, set-up, check-in, check-out, admin and tenancy de- posit fee insurance. Some agencies offered “all-in-one” fees, which could not be broken down further. There was also a lack of upfront information on refunds, such as which fees and charges could be re- funded should the tenancy not go ahead, and under which circum- stances any refund would be given. Therewas a shortage of upfront in- formation regarding deposit pro- tection and redress schemes. Cam also found some letting


agents were not willing or able to give information on their fees and charges over the telephone. Cam’s report, Letting in the Light,


found that information on fees and charges was often hard to find on websites and, in some cases, was non-existent – contrary to the Ad- vertising Standards Authority re- quirements. Bonny Malhotra, chief executive


of Citizens Advice Maidstone, said: “The market in letting fees and charges is not working.” Upfront fees and charges to prospective tenants, other than rent and a refundable deposit, are banned in Scotland and Mr Malho- tra would like to see the same sys- tem in England. He added: “If there are going to


be upfront fees and charges, many residential letting agents are going to have to be more open and trans- parent about them.” Mr Malhotra said he had referred


the Maidstone report to the national body of Citizens Advice. In the meantime, Cam is working


with Trading Standards on a fol- low-up. Mr Malhotra said: “We hope to carry out another exercise later in the year in the hope the agents will have taken on board our findings and made the necessary improvements to their services.”


“Fred”.Widowed in her early 40s, she raised children Susan, Jayne, Kevin and David. Daphne continued living and working locally. Daughter Jayne said: “She was hard working and determined and taught us all right from wrong. Shewas also a strong member of the community andwas involved with the WI and the church. “Shewas proud of her work with the


WAAF in the war and kept that connection throughout her life. She lived life to the full, travelled as far as Hong Kong when her sisterwas living out there and enjoyed gardening and foreign holidays. My motherwas really well-known in Collier Street and lots of people will miss her.” Daphne leaves her four children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.


JeanAustin


THE Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood has announced the death of JeanAustin (88), a long serving teaching at the school who taught PE and English from the 1950s until 1988 and rose to become deputy head of the school. The school – based in Maidstone Road –


also posted a photograph of Jean. Tributes poured in from those who knew her.


A STRAW poll of Maidstone’s letting agents revealed most charged a set- up fee of about £300 – in one case as much as £425 – for referencing a ten- ant (which includes running a credit check), with additional fees of £60 to £150 for each additional tenant. “Hidden” fees included renewal


charges, early release charges, pet de- posits, express move-in and tenancy amendments. Some were as low as £125 per ap-


plicant for referencing and a £55 check-in fee – with no renewal fees after completion of the initial fixed term tenancy. One major chain explained the fees


and charges but failed to give any prices, arguing they varied fromprop- erty to property and branch to branch – yet the total would easily add £750 to the fees of renting a family home. Another town centre agency dis-


played no details about charges on its website apart from the monthly rental, although it did compare the amount of rent to other properties in the area. Louis Wiek, director ofCentury 21 in Maidstone, said: “We try to make things as straightforward as possible and keep costs to the minimum.”


Donna Wozny said: “An amazing woman and teacher,” and Jean’s granddaughter Jo McCallion added: “Thank you everyone for your lovely comments about our Nanna; our family really appreciate. “She loved this school and always told us


how she never had a bad day at work. “She'd be so touched that you all remember her and would hold you all dear in her heart.”


Dave Currer


DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, Park Woodwas known locally as a motorcyclist and a volunteer with rehabilitation groups. Hewas also involved in organising the annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support of environmental causes. Many of Dave’s friends in the local motorcycling community have paid tribute to his genial nature and valued friendship. He died in an accident on the A274 near Biddenden.


Hayley Martin


MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of Loose Road,was known for her fundraising for cancer treatment and for helping to establish a cancer charity – Freddie’s Friends – dedicated to supporting young adults with cancer. Hayley worked as a L’Oreal technician


andwas first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011; shewas later given the all clear


Seventy per cent of Century 21’s business in Maidstone is residential lettings. Mr Wiek said: “Our fee of £150 includes referencing, checks, the contracts, inventory and the tenancy agreement and is one of the cheapest in Maidstone.” Stewart Carroll, senior branch man-


ager for Simon Miller andCompany in Maidstone, said: “We are not the cheapest – nor are we the most ex- pensive. We have had no complaints from tenants with regard to our fees, which I think is a compliment to the fact we have done our research. We ensure tenants pre-qualify before ar- ranging a viewing. “All our fees are on display in the of-


fice and contained in the tenants’ property list, which is given to every- one who registers with us.” The company does not charge a check-in fee but the check-out fee of £100 plus Vat is payable at the start of a tenancy to encourage the tenant to attend the inventory check-out ap- pointment. He said: “That way, there is an in-


centive for them to be present for the appointment – and it also means we can ensure they get any deposit back quickly.”


and gave birth to her son Freddie. When Freddiewas four months old Hayley received the news that her cancer had returned in an inoperable form. Her energy and selflessness in raising awareness and living the remainder of her life positively have prompted an outpouring of tributes and memories.


Hayley’s achievements include helping


to raise thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickensward at Maidstone Hospital, where she received treatment, and becoming the face of the charity Hair and Beauty Benevolent. The charity’s website includes a video of “Hayley’s story”, chronicling her cancer bale.


Jordana Carr


JORDANA Carr (35), of Pla, was a special needs co-ordinator and teacher for KCC. She worked at the Cedars pupil referral


unit in Bower Mount Road, Maidstone. Jordana – a mother – was pronounced


dead after emergency services were called to her home by someone concerned for her welfare. Having recently completed a year of teacher training, she had distinguished herself as a passionate teacher with a flair for inspiring youngsters and a consistent


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com Maidstone South February 2016 27


Obituaries


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