Banks and mortgage agents do not have to charge people who are having trouble paying their mortgages for the extra advice, the financial services regulator AFM said on Tuesday.

Since the beginning of this year, mortgage providers have been required by law to charge fees for advising home buyers on their mortgage. The fee replaces the standard provision system.

But there had been doubts if people would also face fees when asking for help in renegotiating a current mortgage.

The commission ban is being extended to cover asset management and investment advice from next year. The cabinet thinks the switch to fees will encourage financial advisors to act in the interests of their clients rather than the investment product sellers.