Step 1: You can reclaim some of your mortgage exit fee only if it was increased during the term of your loan and you were forced to pay a higher charge at the end of the deal. Dig out the paperwork the lender sent you when you took out the mortgage which should include details of the exit fee at the time. If you are still not clear what the exit fee was or have lost the paperwork ring the lender asking for details. Many lenders will tell you over the phone for free, but if not data protection laws mean you have a right to it for a £10 fee. You can download a letter template from moneysavingexpert.com.

Step 2: Phone your lender saying that you believe the exit fee is unfair and you want a refund. It might make an offer. Lenders only have to pay back the difference between the exit fee at the start of the deal and the end, but some have been refunding the whole amount.

Step 3: If that doesn’t work send a letter. You can download a template from moneysavingexpert.com. If the lender won’t make a payment after eight weeks you can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If that fails consider court action.