Problems with trying to rent a room

HampshireH

There appears to be nothing unusual about their website or their practices.

They are a well known and established estate agent. If you don't like their options you'll need to find a room elsewhere.

Ultimately that's your choice. They will have others who want the room

silvercar

I use wise (formally called transferwise) it enables you to create a temporary digital card, that would have all the details required but mean you can delete the card at any time, stopping future use of it.

bobster2

faringdon said:

Thanks, but why are they getting these card details when they dont get them in a bank transfer

Errr - whenever you pay anyone by credit card or debit card you have to give them your card details. How else would they take payment???

Use the Paypal option if you don't want them to see your card number.

Bookworm225

faringdon said:

Thanks, but why are they getting these card details when they dont get them in a bank transfer

as I already explained, if you withdraw your application then they need card details in order to impose the 1 week's rent penalty payment as they cannot do that by bank transfer 

setting up a bank transfer for someone who is never going to be a long term customer, because they withdrew their application, is a costly admin exercise. Much easier to simply take the payment by card, as with any purchase from a shop.

as it CLEARLY states the card details will only be used if you withdraw and thus trigger the penalty clause. If you can't accept this relatively standard procedure for the large EA/ rental chains then find a different property with a different agency. It is not a scam, it is simply you not accepting.

saajan_12

People have addressed the security of the payment site, so on your other points..

faringdon said:

There will also be a deposit of £807.69, which again I am happy to pay by either by going into their 

office and inserting my card into their card terminal, or paying into their bank account using their

bank account number and sort code.

That's a 5 week security deposit (700x12/52*5 = 807) which is allowed, but they can't ALSO charge a 1 week holding deposit. Sounds like its not an issue yet as they're not actually charging the 1 week, it'll only come into play if you don't proceed in which case you wouldn't pay the 5 week deposit. However just so you're aware in case it does get requested. 

faringdon said:

The rental agreement says its a 12 month agreement. I said I wouldn't want it because I  am requesting a 6 month

agreement. However, when I put this to them they just said not to worry as if I sign up for the 12 month agreement

then I can just leave any time after 4 months as long as I give 2 months notice.

Please advise on their unusual method of payment requirement?

Only if you actually have a break clause which gives you the right to serve notice and leave after 6 months. Check what it says, and demand its either written in or changed to a 6 month fixed term. 

Note that is under the current rules. Once the Renters Rights Bill comes in, you'll be able to give notice earlier regardless of what the contract says, but we don't know when this will start.