Is it legal for former agencies or landlords to charge a fee for this?

As above, is it legal for them to charge a fee for providing a reference to the next agency we are trying to rent with?

I've finally had a break through. We've passed the credit checks (which I was worried about). Last thing they want is a reference from our current agency. All of a sudden I get an email from my current agency asking for a fee for this 'service'.

We've paid out so much already and none of it has been for the rent or deposit. It's getting silly now. If it was more reasonable I wouldn't think twice but £100??!! It's making me angry.

Have you tried calling Shelter yet?

Part of me thinks they are being very cheeky, but I think you'll need to get some support to challange them.

From Shelter:

Charges that may be unfair

If you believe an agency is acting illegally you can make a complaint and/or report them to your local council's trading standards department or tenancy relations officer.

You should not have to pay any fees until the agency has found a place for you. It is a criminal offence for agencies to charge you just to register or to supply addresses and details of accommodation.

If you had to pay unreasonably high charges or the agency did not give you full details of the charges in advance, you may be able to challenge the charges on the grounds they are unfair. You should contact a specialist housing adviser or your local council's trading standards officer for further advice.

That is ridiculous. Do they mention they charge for references in your lease?

Have you tried calling Shelter yet?

Part of me thinks they are being very cheeky, but I think you'll need to get some support to challange them.

From Shelter:
 

Thanks.

I'm always calling Shelter haha. I haven't called about this yet though. I read that bit on their website though. I've researched a bit online and it seems I'm not the only one who got charged £100 for a stupid reference. It seems that they can charge a fee for giving a reference (not illegal). I just wonder if there's a capped amount that they can charge (probably not!). *sigh* I'm so tired of paying non-refundable fees.

That is ridiculous. Do they mention they charge for references in your lease?

Nope! I wouldn't be surprised if they make sh*t up as they go along.