Should the tenant fork the bill for credit check/insurance packages?

Question by Twm D: Should the tenant fork the bill for credit check/insurance packages?
I’m about to move into a new flat with my girlfriend but the landlord has insisted on a £86 “credit check” for each of us.
On closer inspection of the form and policy. This offers a 6 months insurance to the landlord in the event of us not paying the rent.

I can grudgingly understand why we would be charged for a credit check (cost < £10). But it seems unfair to be charged for insurance aspect which wholly benefits the landlord.
Incidentally £86 each is 20% of a months rent. What should I do?

Best answer:

Answer by mark
If its a one time charge then get the flat in only one name on the lease . That cuts it in half . Pay it if you want the flat, say NO and look for somewhere else.

That sort of thing is normally a cost of the flat owner doing business and should be figured into the rent.

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Tags: Bill, check/insurance, Credit, packages, tenant