Landlord requests rent in cash

Housebuy12345

Nah don’t do it!

MichaelF

Thanks everyone. I met the landlord in person and have been at the property a few days ago for a viewing (saw it in booking.com). He then offered a discount if renting privately and not through booking to which I agreed as long as we signed a private contract.

He then asked me if I could pay in cash but I'm not used to paying large sums in cash.

I guess I could say yes to cash, request a receipt and pay only after I get the keys to the flat?

Thanks all.

BrassicWoman

Well, you already know where his ethics are....

You want to be safe, book it legit and pay extra

Socajam

MichaelF wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I met the landlord in person and have been at the property a few days ago for a viewing (saw it in booking.com). He then offered a discount if renting privately and not through booking to which I agreed as long as we signed a private contract.

He then asked me if I could pay in cash but I'm not used to paying large sums in cash.

I guess I could say yes to cash, request a receipt and pay only after I get the keys to the flat?

Thanks all.

I agree with all those wo advised against, but if you decide to move forward, I would pay:

25% 1st week;
25% 3rd week;
25% 5th week; and
25% the final week = total 6 weeks

obtaining a receipt for each payment.
This is the only security I could see you having over your money.

However much you wants, the place, if he disagrees, I would walk away.

Cakeguts

MichaelF wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I met the landlord in person and have been at the property a few days ago for a viewing (saw it in booking.com). He then offered a discount if renting privately and not through booking to which I agreed as long as we signed a private contract.

He then asked me if I could pay in cash but I'm not used to paying large sums in cash.

I guess I could say yes to cash, request a receipt and pay only after I get the keys to the flat?









thanks all.

How do you know that the person you met was the landlord?



How do you know that the reason why he offered a discount wasn't because he isn't the landlord and he can take the cash and disappear.



Either do it through booking.com and pay the extra for safety or don't do it.

MichaelF

Very useful thanks everyone. I'll just walk away.

silvercar

MichaelF wrote: »

Very useful thanks everyone. I'll just walk away.

You could insist on paying by a legitimate means and see what he says.

theartfullodger

Whatever happens, grass him up, eventually, to HMRC & his lender (from deeds, £3).

If he's legit, no harm done.

Socajam

MichaelF wrote: »

Very useful thanks everyone. I'll just walk away.

Thank you for taking the many advice given and walking away.

In today's climate there are too many people wanting and waiting to take advantage of others

MichaelF

silvercar wrote: »

You could insist on paying by a legitimate means and see what he says.

Is a private agreement/contract legitimate as long as he owns the flat?