大象传媒

A letting agency has been demanding hundreds of pounds in payment before prospective tenants are allowed to view properties for rent, this programme has found.

The practice, by Flintons, breaches guidelines and could be unlawful.

Shadow housing minister Melanie Onn said renters needed more rights and the case was the "tip of the iceberg".

Flintons, in London, denied any wrongdoing and said it did not charge any fees for viewings.

It said these payments were taken as a "holding deposit" - money paid to a landlord or letting agent to reserve a rental property - which were always non-refundable and that it did not believe there would be any purpose in taking deposits if the individual could get their money back.

It added that all those featured in the 大象传媒's report had been made aware that their deposits were not refundable and it did not agree with their version of events.

Esme Ash and John Owen report.