Hi everyone, first off thanks for taking the time to read this.
I have done some searches on this topic on this forum and other places, but I'm not sure where I stand in regards to the wording on my contract.
I'm a LL from London, and getting increasing frustrated with the LA and their renewal fees. Fair enough, I'm a bit silly not have negotiated the contract in the first place, but my tenants are staying on for their third year now, and the renewal fees are nearly £1000, which is ridiculous for the amount of work they are doing (getting a piece of paper signed).
So, I'm thinking of letting the contract roll into an STP, I was under the impression that no fees should be charged in this scenario, but in my contract with the LA, the following is worded:
"The landlord should be aware that renewal or continuation as a periodic Tenancy is subject to an additional fee plus VAT as shown in Schedule 1 above whether or not we as your Agent negotiate on your behalf. If you prefer to negotiate any renewal personally our fees for the Letting Service will continue to be payable according to Schedule 1 above for the duration of the time the Tenants occupies the premises"
Do I have a leg to stand on? Should I seek legal advice? Surely they can't charge me for not actually doing *anything*?!?
Once again, thanks for reading this for me, any help is most appreciated.