Letting agents fee for credit checks

[Batista230]

Hello there
Just trying to find out if the above is a scam or common practice

If A buyer was interested in renting a commercial property though a letting agent. After the agent told the buyer that the landlord has excepted the offer. But the agent said there was a £200 fee to be paid so the agency could do a credit check upon you after. But if it came back as failed then the decision would be left to the landlord of the property.

Dose this sound like a 200 quid stitch up just to gain personal data from you or not?

Cheers
P

[Batista230]

Well this is an email I have just recived from them. I reluctent to go any further


As just discussed the following deal has been agreed with the Landlord.

Offer 1 -RENTAL

Full asking price offer- £15,000pa

3 Year Term

2 year break clause

3 month’s rent free

Plus £4,000 for fixture and fittings.

2 month’s rent in advance plus deposit equal to a further month’s rent to be kept by the Landlord for the duration of the lease. (£3,750)

This is a start-up company licensed premises with draught beer on tap that will serve food as well.


We now require the name of the person to placed on the lease along with the registered address. Once we have this my colleague will give details to the credit check company who will send ana email/link to you to complete. Once you have completed your requirements on the form, the £199 discussed will be due to be paid. Once paid the check will commence and will take 3/5 working days