Renting A Flat For Just Four Weeks.

StudentScrimper

Hiya everyone!

I've got a bit of a problem and I'm hoping I'll get some help from you lovely folk here.

I need to rent a house in a different city just for the month of November. I saw a cheap apartment on gumtree and the chap advertising said he lives there but is never there. He has a spare room and he wants someone to look after the place whilst he's not there.

However, I would only be there for the month and he says he has to have all of the money upfront but if I give him all the money then what recourse do I have if there's a problem.

I asked him about a contract and he said that there isn't one. I told him that I could put together a basic contract and he could sign it. He said that was fine.

I'm in two minds, if he's dodgy, then why would he agree to sign a contract (not that I'm an expert on contracts. I would have just copied and pasted a basic tenancy agreement off the internet). I'm supposed to be moving in tomorrow. It's cheap and I am desperate because I need it for work for four weeks. However, at the same time, I don't want him running off with my money.

HELP! What do I do?!

moromir

Why don't you see if somewhere like Travellodge will do you a deal for a month block? Most will

sandsni

I'd be a bit wary of anyone wanting all the money up front and not having any kind of contract in place in case it's not actually HIS flat he's advertising. I don't know anyone who would be willing to let a complete stranger "look after" their flat for a month without any form of referencing or contract.

Hopefully you'll get some positive input from other posters. I hope you find somewhere suitable for the month.

jamie11

Bargepole (long) for the use of.

JimTracy

this sounds very dodgy to me !
as long as the money is to be paid up front i wouldnt be doing it

StudentScrimper

moromir: Thank you but I can't afford to stay in 'Travel Lodge'.

sandsni: Thank you. I thought all of these things too, but I told him that I would need to fix a lock on the door of the bedroom which I would be staying in and he said that was fine. He also agreed to sign a contract. It makes me wonder whether he is subletting.

Jamie11: I did not understand your post.

I just want to know what to do because it puts me in a vulnerable position by giving him all the money upfront when I am only staying there for four weeks. PLUS the worrying thing is he knows where I will be working because I do something very specific and he asked me what I do, so he knew where I work. He told me he worked in a garage, but today he text me saying he can't speak to me because he is in a lecture. I'm not saying it's impossible to work in a garage and study at College/ University, but sounds a bit weird in context of other things.

StudentScrimper

JimTracy wrote: »

this sounds very dodgy to me !
as long as the money is to be paid up front i wouldnt be doing it

What should I do? I'm desperate.

moromir

StudentScrimper wrote:

moromir: Thank you but I can't afford to stay in 'Travel Lodge'.

You missed my point. They offer significant discounts for taking a room on a long block booking. Call them and ask. It may well be cheaper than what you would be paying in this dodgy room set up.

Talc1234

Try this site for short term lodging in London

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/

Or easyroommate.com, spareroom.com,

dancingfairy

Can you afford to loose the money? I wouldn't take a flat/room without having seen it first for many reasons.
Assuming the room is genuine and you've met him then a months rent upfront wouldn't be unreasonable.
Can you not afford to meet him at the property to look around and then give him the rent if you proceed?
Can you stay in a travelodge for a shortwhile whilst you carry on looking?
I assume this is for work? Have you asked people you will be working with whether they know anyone who is looking for a short term lodger/anywhere cheap you can stay?
df

EdwardS033

You could look for a serviced apartment. There are some quite nice ones around