‘Criminal’ tenancy fees are preventing locals from renting in Worthing

Many agencies charge their clients additional fees to cover the cost of credit, landlord and employment checks. These tenancy checks are often compulsory in order to finalise a move into private rented accommodation and can cost more than half a month’s rent. Paul Yallop, Worthing Borough Council’s leader, said: “They are far from clear and there’s lots of hidden charges which I find quite concerning. I would like to see a much simplified structure.”

In Worthing, fees vary from agency to agency – the ones we contacted ranged from £300 to £556 based on two people renting. Simon Price, 38, of St Botolph’s Road, Worthing, has considered moving out of the area because of his high agency fees. He said: “It’s criminal behaviour. It’s little short of fraud as far as I’m concerned.” Shelter has recently started a nationwide petition to try to bring an end to extortionate agency fees. So far they have had 7,000 signatures across the country with 150 in the Worthing branch.