Back in February, we reported on a test case between the Office of Fair Trading and Foxtons, concerning the legality of letting agents' renewal fees... either money for old rope or fair fees for finding an ideal tenant, depending on whether you're landlord or agency. In London they're fairly standard. I've recently paid some. There was a time when you could negotiate a discount... but it's getting harder. The case is currently in limbo, which would make you think that , as things stand, landlords are legally obliged to pay the fee they agreed in the contract, until/unless informed otherwise by the High Court. Not according to a judge at Edmonton County Court, who appears to be refusing to enforce the law until it's proved reasonable. Isn't that the law, backwards?

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