Landlord requesting Cheques only

[Deleted User]

I had a slightly similiar situation.., and problems finding a place to rent because some of my rent was going to be funded by housing benefit. Most agencies would not touch me on the basis of my income not being enough. I found a landlord who would deal with me direct, but like u, at the last minute he said he wanted me to contact the LA that would make the housing benefit payments, tell them I had financial problems (I didn't) and was overdrawn (wasn't) and get them to make payments direct to the landlord. Although desperate to get the house, I said no, I didn't have problems with my bank, had worked constantly to keep my credit rating ok, and the last thing i needed was to contact the LA and make out I was in a financial mess when I wasn't. I manage my money very responsibly. He said that the previous tenant had done this but when I politely but firmly said no.., he accepted me setting up a direct debit from my bank account and all payments have gone off to him with no problems.

I'd suggest to the landlord that if he's worried about standing orders or dd's failing, cheques will not go through either if there is insufficient money in your account. Its no more certain a method of paying rent than paying by direct debit. So its not a safer position for him. Tell him u are able to pay the rent by direct debit, will make sure the money is there each month and your bank will not supply cheques.., a lot won't nowadays, cheques are considered out dated. U don't need to go into your credit history.

I can't really see with bank's attitudes to cheques, that all his other tenants pay that way. Plus as u say, he didn't mention it til after the contract was signed. If he is awkward enough to do this, and insist on it, I am afraid u are probably better off without him as a landlord cause he is trying it on. Try and renegotiate with him if u can but if he won't accept payment by so/dd, he is the one breaking the law, not you as he didn't mention this before signing the contract with you. Could be a landlord to avoid if he won't accept this.

irishangel2011

Thank you

mchale

deannatrois wrote: »

Its no more certain a method of paying rent than paying by direct debit. So its not a safer position for him.

Incorrect, a cheque is a promise to pay, its a hell of a lot easier to sue someone with a bounced/stopped cheque in your possession.

tbs624

deannatrois wrote: »

Tell him u are able to pay the rent by direct debit....

If you are instructing your bank to pay £x to Mr J on 17th of the month then this is a Standing Order.

A Direct Debit is Mr J's bank requesting the funds from your bank account, with your consent.

A T will usually be paying via SO although some LAs request DD.