Hidden Fees vs. Transparent Pricing—What Landlords Should Look For

For many landlords, one of the most frustrating aspects of working with a letting agent is discovering extra charges buried in the small print. These hidden fees can quickly eat into your rental profits and leave you feeling misled. At NUVO Lettings, we believe in a clear, straightforward fee structure that respects your bottom line. In this post, we’ll explore the most common hidden fees in property management and explain why our transparent pricing model is different.

1. Common Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

• Renewal Fees – Some agents charge you every time a tenant renews their contract, even though minimal extra work is needed.

• Maintenance Markups – Instead of charging you the actual cost of repairs, an agent may tack on a percentage fee for “arranging” the service.

• Administration or Setup Charges – These can appear whenever a new tenancy starts, despite already charging a standard management fee.

• Exit Penalties – Leaving fees or punitive charges when you decide to switch agents can catch you by surprise.

2. How Hidden Fees Affect Your ROI

Every pound you pay in unnecessary charges is a pound less you can invest back into your property. Over time, hidden fees can:

• Erode Your Profits – Multiple small charges add up fast and reduce your overall return on investment.

• Limit Property Improvements – Money spent on hidden fees could otherwise be used for upgrades that enhance rental value.

• Create Mistrust – Unexpected costs break the trust between you and your letting agent, making it hard to move forward confidently.

3. NUVO Lettings’ Transparent Pricing Model

Being landlords ourselves, we understand how damaging hidden fees can be. That’s why we offer a clear, upfront fee structure that includes:

• No Maintenance Markups – We only charge you the price quoted by our trusted contractors—no extra percentages added.

• No Leaving Fees – We offer a simple 3-month notice period instead of imposing penalties if you choose to end our partnership.

• Fair, Easily Understood Rates – Our management fee is clearly spelled out from the start, so you always know your ongoing costs.

4. Why Transparency Matters

• Budgeting and Planning – Knowing exactly where your money is going helps you plan for upgrades, future investments, and potential expansions.

• Building Trust – When you aren’t blindsided by fees, you can focus on working with your agent to maximise returns rather than worrying about hidden costs.

• Peace of Mind – Transparent fees free you from surprises, allowing you to concentrate on the bigger picture of growing your property portfolio.

5. Questions to Ask Your Letting Agent

• “Do you charge extra fees for arranging maintenance or repairs?”

• “Is there a leaving fee, and what is the notice period?”

• “Are there charges for tenant renewals or inspections?”

• “Is your pricing structure the same for HMOs, flats, and single lets?”

Asking these questions up front can save you from unpleasant surprises down the road.

Conclusion

Hidden fees have become all too common in property management, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. At NUVO Lettings, we believe in honest, transparent pricing that’s built on trust and fairness. If you’re seeking a letting partner in Crewe or across the North West who truly puts your interests first, we’d love to chat.

Call us on 01270 295532, book a call, or email info@nuvolettings.co.uk today. Let’s discuss how our no-nonsense approach to fees can help you maximise your rental profits without any nasty surprises.