Landlord asking for cash deposit

perfect10

Just after some advice, am due to move into flat soon, it is a private landlord who has asked for the deposit in cash. We will get the keys at the same time. Have rented property before so know I need receipt for this and tenancy agreement just never been asked to hand it over in cash before? Always dealt with agencies.
Should he be giving me proof of where my deposit goes at this stage too?
Any advice please?

anselld

Yes ask which protection scheme will be used. None of the custodial schemes accept cash so I can't see a legitimate reason to request cash.

The_Real_Cheddar_Bob

I've given cash a number of times and it's been protected mostly.

I wouldn't worry about it not being protected, it goes hugely in your favour if your landlord wishes to not protect your deposit.

DumbMuscle

rjwr wrote: »

I've given cash a number of times and it's been protected mostly.

I wouldn't worry about it not being protected, it goes hugely in your favour if your landlord wishes to not protect your deposit.

The ability to recover a large amount via a legal process is rarely actually as good as not having to go through the legal process in the first place!

silvercar

If you are getting the keys as you hand over the deposit, i can understand the landlord not wanting to risk eg a bouncing cheque. Even bank transfers can be recalled the same day. I would be asking to pay the deposit 2 days in advance by some more trackable means.

agrinnall

silvercar wrote: »

Even bank transfers can be recalled the same day.

They absolutely cannot be recalled.

What can't be guaranteed (unless paying by CHAPS before the cut off time) is that the payment will be completed on the same day - in most case it will be but nobody can say for certain that it will.

saajan_12

I wouldn't worry about a cash deposit too much. As long as you get a receipt, you have the same security / proof of paying as with a bank transfer. The LL would have to protect the deposit in the same way, so no difference there. And a deposit isn't income so the LL wouldn't be trying to avoid tax in this way (does he want cash rent too?)

G_M

I agree.

Make sure the receipt is clear what it is for:
* LL name
* property address
* security deposit for tenancy
* signature
* date

The LL has 30 days to inform you where he protects it via the PI.

Provided
a) you get the keys and
b) this IS the LL (not an outgoing tenant..... :eek:)

it's fine.

You didn't find the property via gumtree did you?

perfect10

G_M wrote: »

I agree.

Make sure the receipt is clear what it is for:
* LL name
* property address
* security deposit for tenancy
* signature
* date

The LL has 30 days to inform you where he protects it via the PI.

Provided
a) you get the keys and
b) this IS the LL (not an outgoing tenant..... :eek:)

it's fine.

You didn't find the property via gumtree did you?

Thanks for all the responses this is really useful - found the property through spareroom.com I believe he has other properties so can maybe find out whether he has advertised through spareroom before?
I think I need to do more checks on the landlord to make sure he is the landlord!!!!!
Thanks

saajan_12

perfect10 wrote: »

I think I need to do more checks on the landlord to make sure he is the landlord!!!!!
Thanks

Ask if he is the property owner (it is possible for non owners to legitimately let the house e.g. tenants with permission to sublet). If he claims to be an owner, check this with Land Registry (costs just £3).

The_Real_Cheddar_Bob

DumbMuscle wrote: »

The ability to recover a large amount via a legal process is rarely actually as good as not having to go through the legal process in the first place!

simples, just dont pay the last couple months rent..... two can play the game. Landlord plays fair, tenant plays fair..... :beer: