Juridische Hulp bij Huurgeschillen

Vraagsteller

I recently found an apartment online that I wanted to rent. The apartment was being advertised online through a real estate agency. The real estate agency compiled the lease which was signed by myself and the lessor (another agency in this case). The first real estate agency is trying to charge me 1 month rent + VAT for an 'administrative fee' and 'service fee'. Is this legal? Do I have to pay them?

Jurist

Normally if you have an explicit agreement with the estate agency for searching an apartment only for you than a fee is required. However, if the real estate agent acts for the landlord than normally no handling fee or service fee can be charged at the tenant. I recommend you to send a letter of complaint to the real estate agent in which you state that no fee can be charged while acting illegal in this case.