Reference checks

[fruity12]

Help!

I viewed a flat I liked
Well 2 actually
I'm so desperate to move (just come out of a verbally abusing Relationship and in temp accommodation )
I went for it had the landlord sent me an email saying I had to complete a reference check which was fine
At the viewing she said the fee is £40
Anyway since overnight I've decided to take the other house
I sent her a message
( she's a private landlord I found on gumtree )
She said I owe her £40
But nothing was in the email and the searches were only started today so I called the company and said to stop any further checks
Anyway she is texting me asking for £40 but I just feel she should have asked for the money upfront
There was no contract and she only mentioned it cost £40 ?
Normally the fees through a letting agency are taken upfront
Can I suggest paying half or do you think I'm liable ?

You are liable legally as it’s an oral contract. You asked her to proceed with the checks, knowing they cost£40. She will have already paid / incurred liability to the reference company, so she will be out of pocket.

I ask my tenants for fees upfront for exactly this reason!

Ah ok, fair enough
Yeah the house I have gone for is an agency and the fees are upfront x

Hope the new house goes well.

Thank you 😊