No – as an agent we act for the benefit of landlords (the principal) on all matters within the scope of our relationship; we owe the duties of good faith, loyalty, due care, and disclosure referred to as a fiduciary duty.
The most common breach of this duty amongst agents is making undisclosed income from their position – hidden commissions or mark-ups from contractors without the landlord’s fully informed consent.
Under Section 83 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Part 3, Chapter 3), letting agents are legally required to publicise a comprehensive list of all their fees on their website, in their office and on portals they use to advertise. Likewise the same fees, charges and penalties should be explictly stated in any client/agency agreement between the agent and landlord.