Is an inspection charge normal practice for student lets?

As a small scale landlord myself I was surprised when my student Son complained to me that he and the other three students he rents a house (3 bed semi converted to 4 bed) had been charged £180 for the end of let property inspection.

Is this usual practice with students lets?

When he asked the managing agent they referred him to the contract where on page 10 and the fifth page of tenant’s obligations it did state in very small type “an independent inventory clerk will be instructed to carry out an inspection of the property. The cost for this will be up to £180 depending on the size of property. This will be deducted from the security deposit at the end of the tenancy”.

So it’s in the agreement. I certainly missed this when I signed as guarantor. It just seems like profiteering to me or am I not living in the real world?

I look forward to your comments.

Thanks.

Lester