Landlords and agencies in Ireland are now asking renters for viewing fees.

There are reports of multiple instances where renters were asked to fork over this 'viewing fee,' according to The Journal. 

John Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold says, 'There's nothing illegal about it. The estate agents and the landlords can hold onto that money if they wish.

'It's a nice little earner for some agents and landlords but it is also a social filter. This raises the bar in a market where rents are increasing and the amount of houses and apartments available to let are historically low.

McCafferty continued, 'There's an increasing desperation out there in relation to tenants and would-be renters and then when they are confronted with this, while nobody wants to pay it, those with a bit more ready cash might be in a position to pay it, if they feel this is the place they really want.'

One example of such practices include one man being asked for his PPSN, a copy of his passport, his salary details and a €150 'viewing fee,' just to look at a property.

Matt Cooper was joined on The Last Word by Fintan MacNamara from the Residential Landlords Association and John Mark McCafferty from Threshold to discuss this 'viewing fee.' 

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image at the top of the screen.