Protection regarding deposit and month's rent in advance?

damino

Hi

As a tenant, if I see an advert for a flat and want to take out LHA.

And the tenant asks for a month's rent in advance and a deposit, that's a lot of money. I can get hold of that, but, I don't want the guy running the ad to run away with the money after i've transferred it across.

How can I protect myself against that?

princessdon

damino wrote: »

Hi

As a tenant, if I see an advert for a flat and want to take out LHA.

And the tenant asks for a month's rent in advance and a deposit, that's a lot of money. I can get hold of that, but, I don't want the guy running the ad to run away with the money after i've transferred it across.

How can I protect myself against that?

There should be a deposit protection scheme the landlord is required to place your deposit in. You'll get a better reply on the housing board re pitfalls (not all LL do) etc.

Mr_Pitiful

There's no fool proof way that you can protect yourself, and there's always going to be an element of risk. Don't hand over any money if you have any doubts about the landlord or the property. Whatever you do don't pay any money without viewing the property and walk away if they mention using a money transfer service.