Unfair letting fee?

Our Experts Answer:

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, letting fees may be charged by a solicitor or a letting agent (such as a property management company) when granting or assigning a tenancy. This can include situations where a new tenancy agreement is entered into, where an existing tenancy has been assigned to a new tenant and where the new tenancy arrangement relates to a different property. I would suggest that you discuss the matter with your property management company and explain your position as they may agree to waive the letting fee in this case. If they do agree to waive the letting fee then make sure you record it in the Tenancy Agreement. To discuss your situation further or for more information about the circumstances where letting fees may be charged, you can visit the Department’s website (www.dbh.govt.nz), or call 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).