Super early payment of deposit and rent

allypally26

I have put an offer on a rental property passed the referencing put down a holding deposit and have the contract to sign all good. However the letting agency have asked for the payment of the first month’s rent and deposit to be paid ASAP the tenancy doesn’t start till 31st July I’ve never before paid these more than a week before the tenancy starts. 

I have questioned this but is this now normal practice. I’m reluctant to pay this until nearer the time for several reasons including the current tenants are still there (no reason for them not to leave though) and anything could happen to the flat in the meantime. 

[Deleted User]

I'd pay the first month's rent when the front door key was pressed into my clammy palm, and not a moment sooner!

theartfullodger

allypally26 said:

I have put an offer on a rental property passed the referencing put down a holding deposit and have the contract to sign all good. However the letting agency have asked for the payment of the first month’s rent and deposit to be paid ASAP the tenancy doesn’t start till 31st July I’ve never before paid these more than a week before the tenancy starts. 

I have questioned this but is this now normal practice. I’m reluctant to pay this until nearer the time for several reasons including the current tenants are still there (no reason for them not to leave though) and anything could happen to the flat in the meantime. 

Well, tenants (unless they have served a valid notice - and you won;t know if they have) may well stay, Thatcher's 1988 Housing Act gives them every right to stay, plus given the difficulties and delays in evictions these days they might be holding out for a bung to encourage them the leave: I'd want at least £5k but then I'm a greedy landlord. 

However if you pay now-ish, both parties sign (that's they key bit) then you have a firm contract and if the tenancy doesn;t proceed through no fault of yours they need to house you or compensate you.  Might be worth a gamble(or might not..)

dimbo61

We have had deposits paid month's in advance but normally only get paid the rent when Tenants get the keys and move in.
You have already paid a holding deposit and your dealing with a lettings agency on the high street ?

allypally26

It’s a local agent who is actually normally good as far as the sales side is but I’m going to be polite but firm and say no until a week before (the currently tenants are leaving two weeks before hand). 

Just wanted to check that things hadn’t changed in the last four years since I moved into this place. 

dimbo61

Well you playing hard ball with the letting agents is OK unless they inform the Landlord and he/she tells them to carry on marketing the property !
Once you have paid your deposit and have a signed tenancy ( credit checks and references done ) you have a contract so it's then upto the LL/LA to make sure the existing tenants move out.
Take lots of photos/Video of the property on the day you move in.
Photos of the meters date stamped if possible !

allypally26

Credit checks have been completed I have the tenancy agreement just need to sign and post back. Plus have a holding deposit. 

Already know about pictures and videos plus meters but thanks.