EA asking for card details to put down offer on renting property

RnB_2

Hi everyone,

I am quite new to this site, I am currently ending my current 2 year tenancy and have been looking for a new flat to move.

I contacted a well reputed EA and went on a flat viewing. Really enjoyed the property, within my budget and good space. I want to make an offer and asked the agent to send me the offer form.
In this form, although he assured me I would not be charged anything to make an offer, they ask up front for all my card details, including expiry date and CVV. Is this normal?

I feel reluctant to give the details that would allow basically anyone to do any purchases with my card details without even having a contact with the landlord or knowing if the offer will be accepted.

Annie35

Offer?! Do people offer on rentals now, lol. Well I've always had it 1st to pay the agency fees gets it so afraid I'm no help just wondered If offering on rentals is a thing now

davidmcn

If you're not being charged anything, why do they want the card details?

RnB_2

Well, we can negotiate the weekly rent so in that sense yes, we can make an offer.

RnB_2

Exactly my point! They do say in the offer letter that they will not charge anything if the landlord does not accept the proposed weekly rent. But if they accept it then they will deduct the agency fees for handling it plus a 2 week rent (assume this goes into the deposit).

HampshireH

Tell them upon your offer being accepted you will make a payment by bank transfer or in branch. You are unhappy passing on bank details to a stranger until you are in receipt of confirmation

martindow

I would be very surprised if their card processor would be very happy to hear of this. In the conditions of my contract it is specifically forbidden to write down any card information. In the case of customer not present transactions it should be entered directly into the card machine or virtual terminal and nothing should be noted on paper. This Information commissioner probably would not think this good practice either.


You could suggest to the agent that you will check with their card processor to see what they say ...

Slinky

My OH had a business he worked for as a contractor insist on having a full set of card details so that their travel company could book hotels etc for him. He would be paying the hotels directly when he used them. I think it was because staff at the company would have a business credit card. It was a 'computer says no' moment for the travel company as they weren't used to dealing with external contractors.


My OH was reluctant to give over the information and it was all going to be a bit rocky between him and the company he was contracting for. Solution was that he gave the travel company incorrect card details (by 'accidentally' giving some transposed digits). That ticked the box with the travel agents who never knew they didn't have the correct details as there was never any need for them to charge his card.


That's what I'd do here.

stator

What the estate agent says is irrelevant. They often lie.



What's written on the form and contract is what's important.

Also Estate Agents often don't give you the details of what you are signing, the form might list "standard fees" etc, if it does make sure you have a copy of that document before you sign.