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Lettings agent want a copy of visa

Handsome90
Handsome90 Posts: 505 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Hi moneysavers,

I'm in a dilemma. I am an international student and I found a really nice property to rent with a friend of mine.

I spoke with the lettings agent and when they realised I am an international student, they asked for a copy of my visa. I queried this and they told me that law changed. Can someone shed some light on this?

I'm quite reluctant to give a scanned copy of my visa to the agents and don't think they have a right to ask for it. But if I refuse they might refuse to let this property to us. What should I do?
«13

Comments

  • payless
    payless Posts: 6,957 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Was in the Queen speech in May- whether it actually main law yet, but reasonable request if likely ( or already) introduced.
    Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as (financial) advice.
  • Manchee
    Manchee Posts: 401 Forumite
    What would be the issue with giving them a scanned copy? Does it contain details you would rather not have known?
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    This was a proposal only.

    It is NOT law.

    However, the agent can ask for whatever they wish, and they (or the landlord they represent) can decline to rent to you if they wish.
  • Handsome90
    Handsome90 Posts: 505 Forumite
    It's just that I don't feel like giving information to people if they don't really need it. My university and NHS already have a copy of my visa and I wouldn't oppose that. It actually makes sense for them to have a copy.

    I think the new legislation will have a negative impact for new international students. I think you need to write down the address of your proposed accommodation in the visa application form as well as when apply for confirmation for acceptance of studies (CAS). So how can international students rent a property if landlords are unwilling to rent to them as they don't have a visa yet. It's like going in circles.
  • CC-Warrior
    CC-Warrior Posts: 323 Forumite
    You could scan in the document and brush away any details that aren't necessary. A lettings agency asked me for both sides of my debit card, so I removed some of the details in Photoshop.
  • jamie11
    jamie11 Posts: 4,436 Forumite
    I'll be looking for new tenants for one of my places next week, whoever applies is going to have to prove to me that they are entitled to live and work in the UK, or go to school or whatever. So far I have about 20 interested parties to choose from, most of them are 'furriners'.
  • jamie11
    jamie11 Posts: 4,436 Forumite
    CC-Warrior wrote: »
    You could scan in the document and brush away any details that aren't necessary. A lettings agency asked me for both sides of my debit card, so I removed some of the details in Photoshop.

    Now that's really naughty! (I mean the agency)
  • jk0
    jk0 Posts: 3,479 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    CC-Warrior wrote: »
    You could scan in the document and brush away any details that aren't necessary. A lettings agency asked me for both sides of my debit card, so I removed some of the details in Photoshop.

    Was it a visa card? :)
  • CC-Warrior
    CC-Warrior Posts: 323 Forumite
    jamie11 wrote: »
    Now that's really naughty! (I mean the agency)

    I'm surprised they didn't ask for my PIN number as they had everything else.

    The application form even wanted to know the reason for leaving properties. I left it blank as it has f**k all to do with anyone!
  • chanz4
    chanz4 Posts: 11,057 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Xmas Saver!
    blame those that leave without paying or false details
    Don't put your trust into an Experian score - it is not a number any bank will ever use & it is generally a waste of money to purchase it. They are also selling you insurance you dont need.
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