To not want to pay for these referencing fees (London)?

[Panda1990]

Hi,

I found my dream flat to rent in London, the offer was accepted by the landlord and among other fees, we had to pay a £50 referencing fee before being able to sign the contract. We passed the reference check.

Two days before our move in date, the property was taken off the market after the landlord fell ill.

The agency has refunded the holding fee but is refusing to refund the referencing fee, saying they aren't responsible for the flat being taken off the market.

Does anyone have any experience with something like this?

AIBU to still want a refund?

I had a very similar situation. Landlord pulled out a week before moving date and the agent refunded all the fees straight away. You should not have to pay this - the landlord should suck it up! Have no advice on the legalities, but YANBU!

I wish our reference fee had only been £50! £200+ EACH for DH and me.

It was a passthrough cost but they should be able to provide you with evidence of the actual cost (it's never as much as they charge) and hopefully you can get a refund of the difference.

Willing to bet that they've already charged the landlord that fee as well...

I hate RE agents.