Q. My letting agent wants to put everyone over 18 who will be living at the property on the tenancy agreement and charge me for referencing them. Is this right?

A. That is the safest thing to do. For example, it is not unknown for the people who are on the tenancy agreement to move out, leaving someone who is not on the tenancy agreement in occupation.

If the person left in occupation is on the tenancy agreement jointly with the person who has moved out, then it makes things much easier - both with regards to claiming rent from the tenant who is not there (normally the one who has an income) and for bringing proceedings for possession if this proves necessary.