Lettings agent charging to "re-check references"?

[niceupthedance]

We have been renting a property for two years, we have never been late with any rent payments. Our lettings agent wants us to pay for a new contract every year instead of going on to a rolling contract (fine but there is a cost involved). Now this year they have asked us to re-send all our referencing details so they can be re-checked (for which there will be a charge). I have never experienced this before, is it legal? Does anyone else have this happen?

It is illegal, they can't charge for references. Quote them the law from Shelter.
england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/letting_agent_fees_for_tenants

Taking the mick and trying it on

As I suspected... thanks both

No they can’t charge fees for that now. You can also automatically go onto a rolling contract if you don’t sign the yearly one they want you to.

Oh that's interesting, they told me the landlord wants a contract for peace of mind but as the notice period is no different it didn't make sense. So if I don't sign it they can't just make us leave?

Also on reading the link I didn't realise they also can't charge for contract renewal! Slimy toads!!

They will probably tell you your LL wants the contract regardless of the truth. We had this (pre legislation change), but sent our LL an email, saying we liked the house and no intention of leaving, but would prefer to not pay ££ every year for a new contract. Turns out the estate agent wanted to charge him too to draw up the papers, so he told them where to go and we went onto a rolling contact