Paying rent in cash...

demorules

Today, I got the keys for my new flat. I had already signed the agreement and filled in a bank transfer form to instruct my bank to pay the landlord x amount each month (the tenancy agreement outlines nothing about how the rent will be paid, just the amount).

After I had paid the deposit/first month's rent today, the letting agent informed me he'd had to shred the bank transfer form and that the landlord will be coming on the 1st of each month to collect the rent in cash, as that's the way they prefer it. This was contrary to what I had understood when I'd signed the agreement (i.e. by filling out the transfer form).

I guess this might be a common topic, but what are my rights here? I don't want the landlord coming round on the 1st of EVERY month (what if I'm away with work or on holiday?), and I'd much rather have an electronic record of what I've paid. I'm also annoyed that the LA waited to tell me until after I'd paid the deposit/first month's rent before informing me this was what the LL wanted.

Can I say to the LL that I want to pay by bank transfer, particularly as that was what I thought I would be doing when I signed the agreement?

Thanks in advance.

jamie11

demorules wrote: »

Today, I got the keys for my new flat. I had already signed the agreement and filled in a bank transfer form to instruct my bank to pay the landlord x amount each month (the tenancy agreement outlines nothing about how the rent will be paid, just the amount).

After I had paid the deposit/first month's rent today, the letting agent informed me he'd had to shred the bank transfer form and that the landlord will be coming on the 1st of each month to collect the rent in cash, as that's the way they prefer it. This was contrary to what I had understood when I'd signed the agreement (i.e. by filling out the transfer form).

I guess this might be a common topic, but what are my rights here? I don't want the landlord coming round on the 1st of EVERY month (what if I'm away with work or on holiday?), and I'd much rather have an electronic record of what I've paid. I'm also annoyed that the LA waited to tell me until after I'd paid the deposit/first month's rent before informing me this was what the LL wanted.

Can I say to the LL that I want to pay by bank transfer, particularly as that was what I thought I would be doing when I signed the agreement?

Thanks in advance.

If you do pay any cash directly to the landlord then make sure you have a proper record of it, ( I suggest you buy your own rent book)

Landlords that demand cash in hand rather than a bank transfer may be fiddling the books. You need to keep a proper record.

Tell him you are willing to set up a SO, if he agrees make the standing order such that the money reaches his account before the rent due day (or on it) because persistent lateness could give him grounds for eviction, yes, even by one day.

G_M

It is up to you to pay the rent.

You can pay in whatever legal way you wish.

You can agree/not agree to the LL coming to your home.

I suggest you:

* post a cheque to the landlord at the address provided "for the serving of notices" a week or so before the rent is due (post takes a couple of days and cheques take a few days to clear)

* change the lock so that if the LL comes round either to collect the rent, or return the cheque(!), he can only come in if you choose to let him in

* Either be out on the rent day when you anticipate him, or don't answer the door.

A LL who
a) insists on cash and
b) wants to visit once a month

needs to be put firmly in his place.....

See

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o

Soot2006

EEK!
I wouldn't be happy with that. The thought of regularly having to REMEMBER to get CASH and then walk with the cash to my house without getting mugged (in my case, daily withdrawal limit is £350 so I'd need to go to the cash point twice for this purpose every month) and then meet with LL every month?
No-Way!

jimbog

Seems odd - the agency won't be getting their commission directly each month either

G_M

jimbog wrote: »

Seems odd - the agency won't be getting their commission directly each month either

Clearly the agent was employed on tenant find only basis, not for rent collection or property management.

As for the cash- not odd; just tax fraud.

ihatemyhouse

sounds dodgy to me,

ilikewatch

I must admit that until 4 years ago when I bought my own property I must have rented about 10 different properties over a 15 year period. Every landlord I've ever had insisted on rent being paid in cash - either paid to them/their agent on the doorstep, or taken to their office/home on the rent due date.
Maybe customs differ in different areas of the country?

Edit: actually, my most recent landlord would accept cheques, but as it frequently took him several weeks to cash them I still paid in cash so that I could keep better control of my finances.

seven-day-weekend

I would not object to paying cash if I had a proper rent book and that it was collected/delivered at a mutually convenient time.

Pixie5740

I wouldn't like this arrangement if it were me. Firstly because I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around with a big wad of cash, secondly I wouldn't like my LL on my doorstep every month, lastly what if I were away on holiday or something on the 1st. I could end up having paying 2 months rent out of 1 months income.

gazter

jamie11 wrote: »

Landlords that demand cash in hand rather than a bank transfer may be fiddling the books. You need to keep a proper record.
y.

There is no 'may'. They are.