Deposit Dispute by Letting Agent

EnzoMan

Does a deposit on a flat from a letting agent, hold the flat from anyone else getting it for 4 weeks to then go over the paperwork and sign the lease?

I was informed of this by a letting agent office and then when forwarded to the person assigned that property they are saying "no" - they want the deposit and the first months rent right away or they will allow it to go to someone else.

What's common practice here? - First time renting...

G_M

Landlords all work to different criteria.

So do letting agents.

Discuss with the agent in question and read the documents/receipts carefully.

Don't hand over money, whether a 'holding deposit'; an 'admin fee'; a 'credit search fee'; the first months rent; the security deposit or anything else unless you understand
a) what it is for
b) whether it is refundable and if so in what circumstances and
c) what additional charges/fees will follow

Get the answer in writing either on their T&Cs, the receipt, or somehow else.

EnzoMan

I read the sticky at the top of this forum, which has given me a lot of questions to ask.