Morgan attacks fees campaign

LEADING property agent Jonathan Morgan has attacked calls for an outright ban on upfront tenancy fees.

Mr Morgan, managing director of Morgans, has instead called for increased transparency so tenants are clear about what they are bing charged for.

He said: “If there are no fees agents won’t be able to trade.Any agent worth its salt would sign up to such a scheme where they provide tenants with a breakdown of charges before a tenant has to commit to anything. To ban all lettings fees is crazy, it’s like saying a mortgage broker can’t charge a fee for finding a mortgage.

The call for an end to agents’ fees is being led by housing charity Shelter which also wants to see the introduction of a standard five year private rental contract.

Mr Morgan said: “The premise of a five year contract with the ability to give notice on either side is not sound. Currently the average tenancy length in our city and the North Leeds area is around 8 to 10 months and this is a reflection of the lifestyle of the vast majority of our client group. They rent for a shorter period because they actually want short term commitment and flexibility and have no interest in being committed for a longer term.

“If it’s the case that renting is a stepping stone for most people, and evidence suggests that this is very much the case, then it follows that a five-year tenancy will only appeal to those who do not envisage buying in the next five years.”