Mile End-based Flintons denies any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were holding deposits.
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A letting agency in east London has been accused of charging prospective tenants hundreds of pounds just to view their properties.
Flintons allegedly demanded cash payments up front before renters were able to take a look round potential homes, according to an investigation by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Several clients were then reportedly told that the money would not be refunded if they did not like the property.
The Competition and Markets Authority says that to “require a deposit from a tenant before they have been given the opportunity to inspect the property” could be unlawful. If true, it constitutes “aggressive practice”.
Shadow housing minister Melanie Onn put pressure on the Government to provide better protection to renters.
She called the Flintons case “the tip of the iceberg”.
Flintons denies any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were holding deposits.
The agency told the BBC it had made clear to customers that these payments were always non-refundable.
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HeadlineLetting agency accused of charging ‘£300 to arrange home viewings’
Short HeadlineLetting agency 'charged viewing fees'
StandfirstFlintons real estate agency is accused of asking for non-refundable payments to secure viewings.
A letting agency in east London has been accused of charging prospective tenants hundreds of pounds just to view their properties.
Flintons allegedly demanded cash payments up front before renters were able to take a look round potential homes, according to an investigation by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Several clients were then reportedly told that the money would not be refunded if they did not like the property.
The Competition and Markets Authority says that to “require a deposit from a tenant before they have been given the opportunity to inspect the property” could be unlawful. If true, it constitutes “aggressive practice”.
Shadow housing minister Melanie Onn put pressure on the Government to provide better protection to renters.
She called the Flintons case “the tip of the iceberg”.
Flintons denies any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were holding deposits.
The agency told the BBC it had made clear to customers that these payments were always non-refundable.
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