Charlotte_24

My point is that your above post read as if it were an impartial reccommendation, when it isn't.

Hang on a minute, i thought you worked for Winkworths? http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=402533 This is the phone number for the branch of Winkworths on Ringinglow Road.

I remember trying to book a viewing for a house they were advertising a while back, i was between jobs and due to start a new one the following week. However, they did not let me even book a viewing as i was unable to provide a work contact number! I have since found that they charge for supplying a reference when you leave... they will not even provide a verbal ref until you have paid the fee of £25.

That would be the Archer Road Beerstop http://www.abbeydalebrewery.co.uk/pubs.html

I think that the bed was a fair request, however now i think they are just pushing it really. When you say they are complaining about the dehumidifier filling with water (which is very odd as this is what they do!), did they mean that they are no longer using it due to this? I would think that if they want new blinds and curtains, as long as the ones you supplied are in good condition, then the tenats would need to sort this out. They can always store the ones that you supplied and change them back when they leave if required.

Did they confirm that the mould problem is a result of something actually being wrong with the property? As others have said, a lot of the time mould is caused by a build up of moisture due to lack of ventilation, so when it's cold outside and you have the heating on moisture will build up. Even in winter the best way to avoid mould building up is to open the windows a crack, (and wipe them down if need be) especially after a shower or when cooking. I appreciate it's cold and you won't really want to be doing this, i live in a property with wooden framed single glazed windows meaning we need to have them open quite a bit in order to prevent mould.

After reading some of the threads on here i have noticed that more and more agency fees are coming to light. I'd like to try and get a comprehensive list together of what people are being charged for, you don't have to name the specific agency. Cheers

For starters you should have been allowed to be present at the check out, whoever was doing the final inspection should have been happy to point out anything he considered a genuine issue. Have you appealed the £120 cleaning fee? Remember to always ask for proof, and they can't bill you for the full cost of cleaning the property if only spot cleans are required - this is classed as the landlord making a profit from his tenant and is not allowed.

When did you pay the deposit to them? It has been a legal requirement since April 2007 for any letting agent or landlord to hold every deposit taken in a government approved TDS. As you have signed a new contract they should have it in a scheme, if they don't they are breaking the law.

Can i ask why it has cost you more to try letting it yourself, as I would have thought that with not paying agent's fees it would be cheaper?

Make them give you the reasons in writing, take photos of the property, ask them to prove the costs they incurred by showing receipts, basically make yourself a huge pain in their back end. If they have genuine reasons they will be able to justify retaining some bond, if not make sure you appeal with the deposit scheme.

Wow they must use some expensive cleaners! If there was a mark on the mirror they can only legally charge the cost of cleaning that particular portion. I think i'm in the wrong job

Oh dear, what a tough situation to be in. Do you have any of this in writing? If not, i would ensure that all further communication is done through email or letters. This is what ARLA (of which Crapper & Haigh are not members) have to say on tenancy renewals - "What About Renewals And Extensions Of A Tenancy? This is a very common situation and the ARLA Agent will normally negotiate between the parties and prepare the necessary formal documentation for a replacement tenancy or fixed term extension. If no further fixed term is created to follow on from the end-date of original term, and assuming notice to end the tenancy has not been served, the tenancy can simply hold over as a “periodic tenancy” e.g. rolling on with basically the same terms and conditions and in line with how the rent is due to be paid. This is usually monthly." http://arla.co.uk/infosheets/list.aspx?id=1# They are a RICS member however, you may find this link useful: http://www.rics.org/Aboutus/Whatwedo/Protectingtheconsumer/regulation_landing_c_1191107.htm

I wonder if the property owner is even aware of the situation? I certainly would not rent out a one bedroom flat to a family of this size, you could try contacting the counil as they can help with private rented properties too. Are the agents a member of any regulatory bodies (try searching http://www.arla.co.uk)?

Have you had a look at the National Landlords Association website? http://www.landlords.org.uk/ There's lots of useful information there. All of the certificates that need to be done when you sign up with an agent still need doing when you let it yourself, and the tenancy deposit scheme will still need to be used if you plan to take a deposit (of course). This site might be helpful too http://www.landlordzone.co.uk

I can second this, i've had many experiences with various letting agencies (and heard horror stories over the years) but Bloor always get a good report. I've rented through them myself and found them to be very friendly and helpful, and i know my landlord is happy with the service he receives. Once again, i don't work for them! I would say that with any agency you consider using it's best to check if they are a member of a regulatory body, and always check out their reputation locally. Another tip that i read is to go into various agencies, act as though you're looking for a property. Make enquiries and see how helpful they are, will they print off information etc. as this will give you an idea of how they will market your property.

But if you are nowhere near selling the full 3000 tickets when the deadline rolls round, then the pot is raffled off (minus whatever costs it says in the T&Cs). So lets say you sell 20 tickets.. that's a £50 ticket for a £1000 prize. If it's as clear cut as you say why not put the counter back up and show us all how close you're getting to the target so that people can enter with all the information?

Have you had a browse on Rightmove? You can just do a search for Sheffield and see what you can get for your budget, then do a bit of research on any specific area that takes your fancy.

And i would think that anyone genuinely in that situation would either appoint a local agent or have someone based in Sheffield who could carry out viewings. This type of scam has been going on for ages, does anyone know if Gumtree are doing anything to clamp down on it btw?

Well somehow i have managed to get a credit card recently, which i didn't expect with all the doom and gloom. Ahhh well.

I never said keep applying, I only intend to make one application.

Thanks, we don't have any joint accounts and we only rent so hopefully it won't impact on my rating too much! I will only be applying once, i'm aware that by applying for loads of things it will affect my rating.

Great ahhh well, i will try applying and see how it goes anyway.

If i live with my OH and he has a bad credit rating will it go against me if i apply for a credit card? I'm worried that as the current address is the same it will affect my application.

Have you looked though all the papers they gave you, does it mention this fee anywhere? I would second the above and ask them to clarify exactly what this fee breaks down to, as it sounds far too high for a re-sign.