UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi Guys,
I just bought my first buy to let one bed flat with the tenants in place and the tenancy comes to an end in March 2015. The agent used to manage the property with the previous landlord and as a new landlord, I haven't signed up any agreement with them. As the completion and rent due was only a couple of days apart, they have collected the rent and passed it to me after deducting their 5% management fee (monthly fee).

My question is:

1. As I have not signed anything with the agent, can I renew the contract directly with the tenant and manage it myself?
2. Management fee is a rolling monthly one (as I was told) and hence I can cancel it even though I haven't signed anything.
3. I would like to keep my tenant and renew directly without the extra 7% "renewal fee".

Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks

1. Yes, worth a go... they do not have your signature, but you are said to step into the shoes of the previous Landlord.
2. Sure.
3. Great.

Thanks for the response.

But, I am after whether it is legal.
The previous owner/landlord had a deal with the agent who found him the tenant.
I bought the flat with 4 months to go on the initial tenancy agreement and the tenant stayed.
I want to keep the tenant, but dont want the agent to charge me the 7% renewal fee (I have not signed anything with the agent).

Is this legally possible?

First step would be to inform the Agent you don't require their services and that you consider the agreement they had with the previous Landlord nothing to do with you.

Speak to your solicitor who did the conveyancing, this should have been clarified and agreed prior to completion.