Help needed - Letting Agent insisting I use No Deposit Option

NinjaTune

Octavarium said:

NinjaTune said:

Romans aren't to be trusted.

I rented through Romans once, never again.  Greedy company.

Oh my gosh...I never thought I would see the word cartel connected with letting agents. This is really bad

That was regarding price fixing for sales, but if they are willing to get involved with that then it shows you what their morals are like.

They merged with Leaders in (I think) 2016 but this No Deposit scheme sounds a bit 'scammy' too.  They were the worst letting agents I rented from.  Higher fees than other agencies I'd used and not very responsive when something went wrong/needed fixing. 

When I viewed the property with the tenant in situ it was like a scene from Hoarders, really difficult to see the place properly.  I needed to move quickly at the time for personal reasons and the house was in an ideal location for my work and my childrens' school so I took it.  Tenant moved out a week before I was due to move in so I asked if I could go and see it empty of furniture and do some measuring up for my furniture.  Despite the property being 5 minutes walk from their office and me only taking 10 minutes to do what I needed, the agent was sighing and constantly checking their watch the whole time.  Once they had your deposit (and fees) they didn't seem to give a monkeys for their clients.

[Deleted User]

I don't think the OP has read the thread, which (rarely for this forum), has wholeheartedly said don't sign up to this deposit 'insurance' scheme (it isn't an insurance scheme) will cost you a lot in the long run.

Think about it.  if you pay a deposit, it has to be protected, and go through DPS procedures.  If the LL/LA tries to make a claim against your deposit procedures mean the LL has to provide evidence of some sort that the damage they are claiming for exists now and didn't exist before you moved in (and betterment doesn't apply). 

None of this applies to the scheme the LA is saying you must go through.  The scheme will come after you for the monies the LL/LA want, no protections which have come out of decades of problems for tenants.., it could cost you a lot of time and money.  That weeks rent is paying for them to come after you if the LL makes a claim of damage.

Octavarium

I have read some different threads and also done a bit of research. I phoned Leaders dead on 9am to discuss with them and make it clear that I did not want this, as I had the full deposit available.

They said they would have to speak to the Landlord because the application was done on a No Deposit Option - not by my doing it blooming wasn't! Apparently it was a 'miscommunication'.

Miscommunication my back side,  more like trying to pull the wool over somebody's eyes. 

Anyway, they just came back to me to say that the Landlord is happy for me to use the traditional deposit scheme.

It may sound snowflake-ish of me, but I cried with relief. I was ever so scared when they said they had to go back to the Landlord that they were going to tell me to eff off. 

I can breathe easier for now. Though I will never feel fully at ease until I've paid the deposit and signed paperwork saying the flat is mine. 

Thank you so much to those who have contributed here and been a huge help. You've made it so much easier for me to feel confident approaching them and I'll always be grateful

8v

Robbo66

If they are making the use of a 0 Deposit scheme as a condition of the tenancy then that is illegal. As a tenant you are entitled to a choice.

rik111

You also want to have a read of the Trust Pilot reviews of these cowboys, I am sorry to say you may well regret renting off them....

Octavarium

rik111 said:

You also want to have a read of the Trust Pilot reviews of these cowboys, I am sorry to say you may well regret renting off them....

I am very sad to read what I have and I am worried. But where I live now is not really suitable for me. Due to my autism and the sensory issues that accompany it, I struggle with external noise, particularly banging and other noises that come from the side and above me. It is increasing my anxiety, has cost me my relationship and also I'm paying a lot to be very unhappy.

Location wise and for separation,  where I am moving to looks perfect, a lovely size and not attached to its neighbouring properties.

I've paid a holding deposit already, so I'm loathe to give it up to risk not finding anywhere better. I'm unemployed and have been a while, but luckily I get PIP which supplements nicely.

Where I live, the affordable places typically tend to be in areas that are very rough. I can't put a price on happiness and comfort. This property is relatively recently built,  and had no issues to speak of.

I've had to endure 3 flat moves within the last 2 years...this will be 4th one. I've burned through any savings I had over the past 2 years, I really hope and pray that this can work out.

[Deleted User]

I hope it does too. 

As someone who also has autism, I use wireless noise cancelling headphones because unless you live in the middle of a desert with no one else within miles - there will always be noise, its just how often and how disturbing.  I have a playground right outside too lol but tend to concentrate on how nice it is to hear children playing (and close the windows lol), and wear headphones.  Then there's the DIY tapping noises etc.  I live in a maisonette too..,  sound does travel but it generally doesn't last too long.  Just have to find ways to live with it.  I'm not going to allow noise to disturb me.  

dimbo61

Right then be prepared !
On the day you get the keys and move in take photos and video evidence of everything before you put one item of yours in the door.
Take photos of the gas/electric and water meters. Note the meter numbers as well as the meter readings.
If you see a scratch on the worktop take a photo, broken window lock or cupboard door hanging loose take a photo and then report it too the LA and LL in writing with both an email and pen and paper with proof of posting. ( Keep a copy )
Report any faults as soon as you notice them to the LA/LL.
Check that the property has an EPC with a rating of A to E.
Check the Gas boiler has a valid Gas Safe Certificate and check who signed the form to see they are Gas Safe registered.
If the property has a fridge freezer or microwave, Hoover, washing machine, tumble dryer, any portable electric appliances is should have a PAT testing stickers on all appliances.
Has the rental property also got an EICR report to prove the electrics are safe.
The Landlord has got 30 days to register the deposit and must provide you with a copy of the deposit registration certificate and prescribed information which they should get you to sign a copy.
Any good Landlord should also do a proper inventory with photos and video and ask you to sign a copy.
Knowing this information is good in case of any dispute.
All Letting agents now have to belong to a redress scheme so check who Leaders are with.
Don't ask for the documents as the LA/LL should provide them to you and failing to do so would look bad with the DPS people.

nyermen

Rented a property in Woking via leaders for several years before finally buying my own place late last year.  I remember they wrote to me offering me this "no deposit" option during the tenancy (I think I still have the letter somewhere).  I mentioned it to the landlord who had no clue about it (so I don't think he was going to get any extra cheddar).  In fact, he ditched them at the end of my tenancy and switched to a new agency as he wasn't happy at all.

I also remember they insist on 6 monthly inspections, are very picky in them (I remember them complaining about a bit of limescale on the shower door, patronisingly suggesting I research what viakal is, which was ironic since their photo had my bottle of the stuff in the shot (very hard water there, needed descaling weekly).  They also left my door unlocked once after an inspection (flat locks where you have to turn the key to prevent accidental locking out).

Not missing renting at all, especially through them.