The charity Shelter has renewed its campaign to expose letting agencies which allegedly do not reveal their fees in line with consumer legislation.

On its website Shelter now has a reference stating:

“For too many people renting is unstable, unaffordable and unsafe. That’s why it is important that letting agents are open and honest with renters.

“By law letting agents are required to display a full list of their fees online and in branch, in a place that’s likely to be seen by customers. We want you to tell us of any agents failing to do this.

“We also want to hear about any letting agents advertising properties as ‘no DSS’, or refusing to let properties to anyone on housing benefit. Currently this isn’t illegal, but we feel it is unfairly locking people out of private renting.

“Renting needs fixing. You can help us by reporting any letting agents carrying out the above practices.”

With the request, Shelter includes an online form asking for details of the alleged breach, including the agency’s name, address, postcode and URL, as well as whether the display – or lack of display – is in the branch office or online or both. “All complaints will remain anonymous” promises the charity.

Earlier this week Shelter’s claims and statistics regarding first time buyers were roundly criticised by housing expert Kate Faulkner, who cited various omissions or inaccuracies in the charity’s statements on the subject; however, on the subject of fees, concerns similar to Shelter’s have been raised by some inside the lettings industry.