STEVE Reed has called on the council to regulate letting agents charging "scandalously" high fees to prospective tenants.
The Croydon North MP's office claims that some tenants are being asked to pay over £1,000 in additional fees and charges, before the deposit and first month's rent are due.
Some are forced to pay a fee to register with the agent and to view properties.
Other companies charge up to £500 for 'handling' deposits and further administration fees of almost £500.
The law currently protects home-owners from rogue estate agents but rents are not protected in the same way, Mr Reed said, adding: "There is a housing crisis across the country and it's particularly acute here in Croydon.
"This research shows that tenants are being forced to pay excessive and unfair fees just to put a roof over their heads.
"This rip-off culture among lettings agencies must end. Labour wants to see tough regulation of lettings agents but the Government has voted down Labour's proposals at every turn.
"Hard-pressed residents in Croydon are having their pockets picked while the Government and our council stand back and do nothing.
"We need action now to curb these exorbitant fees and charges that are hitting people who don't have any money to spare."
