Renting newbie - deposit protection?

flatulantyounggoat

As a new renter, I feel a bit like a lamb to the slaughter in terms of the fees, deposits etc.

Question is, how can I protect my deposit if I'm renting from a private land lord directly? I've been looking at non-agency ads and all want many 100's up front. But if they're private individuals and I'm meant to send them my 'deposit' straight to their bank accounts, I'm completely at their mercy.

Suggestions on how not to get ripped off?

G_M

1) check they are genuinely the landlord. Are they the registered owner of the property?
https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do

2) pay cash or cheque and get a receipt.

3) make sure you have written confirmation of what you are paying for eg holding deposit? credit checks? security deposit? And in what circumstances (if any) it is refundable.

see also:
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting

and

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting

tom9980

Check they own the property by paying for a copy of the title from the land registry. I generally have a copy when I show a tenant a property but nobody has ever asked me to see it.

I will add ask during the viewing which deposit scheme they will be using, if they dont answer correctly be more wary and dig more.

saajan_12

At some point you will have to part with cash.. remember the LL will also have to part with their property, and trust you to keep it in good condition.. goes both ways. Some precautions / checks you can make:

1. Check they have the right to be LL (check they own the property from land registry or are renting with permission to sublet from the LL).

2. View the property before parting with cash, ask any occupants if they're tenants and when they're leaving, if empty then property looks minimally furnished, not like someone lives there.

3. Get written receipt / confirmation of what the deposit is for (security deposit for xyz property for rental commencing on x date)

4. If close to the move in date, see if you can pay the security deposit & first months rent on the move in date - so you can see the property is there & available with minimal window for anything sneaky before parting with cash. (IF you're reserving the property well in advance, the LL may not agree)

5. Once tenancy starts, ensure you get certificate of protection and PI within 30 days.