Renting in Scotland

Purple_fiend

Hi

I recently paid a deposit to secure a flat in Dundee, but then found out later that day that the letting agent had taken another 4 deposits from others who had viewed the flat after me. They said they were leaving it up to the Landlord to choose.

Is this allowed in Scotland? Deposit was paid on Friday am and by Monday about 5 I was told that I didn’t get the flat. They have now had my money all weekend, and I still have to wait several days to get my money returned. Now, I don’t the funds to put a deposit on another flat.

How is this allowed?

Thanks :T:

theartfullodger

Inform agency that you require money back immediately or Sheriff Court action and First Tier Tribunal.

coffeecrisp

This sounds at best incredibly rude and unethical, and at worst illegal. I've had a quick look myself and it's not easy to get a clear answer. The rules around holding deposits aren't as clear because they don't have to be "protected." However, all the sites I've looked at state that the landlord should only ask for a holding deposit if they are committed to renting the property to YOU (pending reference checks).

I would get in touch with Shelter or CAB, and also leave a review on Google or a speciality letting agent review site to warn people from dealing with these crooks.

The letting agency also sounds incredibly stupid. They could have easily taken the money off multiple people, and told the unsuccessful people "sorry your checks didn't satisfy us" before arranging to give the money back. The fact that they presumably admitted they did something this dodgy is baffling.

Purple_fiend

Thank you, emailed asking for money back quoting the First Tier Tribunal and money was back in my account within half an hour.