UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi I decided to go through an agent to let one of my properties. I showed the property to the agent before it was ready to be let. They agreed to take it on. Two days later someone put their details through the letter box wishing to rent it. I told them it wasnt ready and it would be going through an agent. I phoned the agent and told them I had found a possible tenant and gave them the details and asked them to check her out.
Everything was fine the tenant moved in no problems. I have now changed my mind about using the agent. I was happy to pay the fees every month until they effectively sent me a blackmailing letter saying if I did not let them arrange the new gas certificate they would be charging me £24.00 to open a drawer and put the piece of paper in a file. I do not have a problem with people making money and charging for services but really?. Anyhow I have written to the agent giving them two months notice as required. They have written back saying if the tenant stays on I have to pay them £600.00 for an introductory fee. I wondered if anybody has any thoughts on this as I feel I was not introduced to the tenant via the agent, although the tenant was already on their books, they did not bring her to me but me to them. I feel I should fight this especially as they did not have to do any marketing of the property to let it. I am more than happy to have paid the admin and reference fees, but I have to argue by the definition of the word introductory this is not what they did. Appreciate any comments

Is there a written contract?

If so, read it

Argue it out anyway if needs be

Is agent regulated?

Speak to regulator.

Threaten agent that you will complain to regulator