I'm very uncormfortable with my landlord's requests. Please advise

Bella*_2

Hi everyone,

I could really benefit from some advice. I moved into a property just over a month ago. On the day I moved into the property, she informs me that she takes the rent in cash. I did not like this, but at that point, I did not have anywhere else to stay, so I paid accordingly. I asked for a receipt, and she said 'no one has ever asked for a receipt before' as though it were a strange thing. Well, those people must be insanely trusting. She did give me a receipt though.

It was only £100 deposit, and she said she would ask me to pay it later it later. She appeared to forget about it, and I didn't mention it, not because I'm averse to paying it, but rather I'm averse to paying it by cash with no paper trail. She mentioned it to me, and I told her that I find this situation strange. I asked her whether my deposit is put into a scheme, and she said no, she just keeps it until I leave. I told her that I would have to think about it, because she could easily just refuse to pay me back the money when I go, and I will have no proof of this whatsoever. I said I could pay it by bank transfer, and she said it works better by cash, because she's going through a divorce, and her husband could freeze her accounts. I think it's more likely that she's concealing income for tax reasons, but either way, it's putting me in a vulnerable financial position.

I have paid the next month's rent, but as it's a monthly rolling licence agreement, not a tenancy agreement, could she just kick me out with immediate effect if I do not pay the deposit? I don't want to risk not having a home, but equally, I do not want to risk paying £100 and not getting it back for no reason, particularly because I want to give my month's notice in, and this may irritate her enough that she just pockets it. I've only known her a month after all, and it all seems dodgy to me

How can I best cover my back in this situation?

ACG

Its a legal requirement to put it in a deposit scheme - exactly for the reason she mentioned (among others). Her husband or anyone could freeze her personal accounts. If its in a deposit scheme then the money is not hers and can not be frozen.

If your on a rolling contract find somewhere else and move out.

zzzLazyDaisy

Does the landlord also live at the property?

Guest101

A rolling licence agreement? Not heard of that before, anyone illuminate this?

I think your spot on with the tax dodge, and i think you should mention this to HMRC. If she's declaring then no harm done.

JuicyJesus

Run, don't walk. It sounds dodgy as all hell.

lighting_up_the_chalice

ACG wrote: »

Its a legal requirement to put it in a deposit scheme

Only if it IS a tenancy.......

Bella* wrote: »

I have paid the next month's rent, but as it's a monthly rolling licence agreement, not a tenancy agreement,

Werdnal

The important question is "Does your Landlord share the property with you?"

With only £100 deposit mentioned, and a "licence agreement" sounds like you are a lodger rather than a tenant. If so, there is no need to protect the deposit.

So, does your landlord live in the same property?

Either way, if you are on a monthly agreement you are not tied to stay there, so start looking elsewhere and give your month's notice as soon as you find somewhere (and hopefully before you pay the deposit).

mrginge

Guest101 wrote: »

A rolling licence agreement? Not heard of that before, anyone illuminate this?

I think your spot on with the tax dodge, and i think you should mention this to HMRC. If she's declaring then no harm done.

:rotfl::rotfl:

Clueless

G_M

Much depends on whether you are a lodger (sharing with your landlord) or a tenant (exclusive possessionof the property).

As requested above, please reply.

Either way, do NOT pay cash(and certainly not without a receipt!)

Just give a cheque. She can cash it or not - that is her choice!

Reporting tax fraud can be done here if you wish.

However, if you are a lodger, and the rent she gets is less than £ a year, there is no requirement for her to declare the income anyway(Rent a Room Scheme )

G_M

Guest101 wrote: »

A rolling licence agreement? Not heard of that before, anyone illuminate this?

As everyone is guessing is the case here:

'licence' to occupy. Applies to lodgers.
'Rolling' = no fixed term.
'Monthly' = the rolling 'period'

RuthnJasper

I can only echo the above excellent advice. There is more than a distinct whiff of fish about this - Bella*, you are right to be concerned.

Find another place - you deserve better than this. And maybe have a discreet chat with the local council's housing dept. and/or their Trading Standards dept.

Wishing you every happiness for the future. xx