Renting first house; bond/deposit question

ThatElliottGirl

Many thanks to everyone who replied!
I've relayed all this to my other half, and we've decided to give him a ring and ask to just sort it all out in person. If we're setting up a standing order, do we need some kind of paperwork/receipt about that too? Obviously, I know you'd be able to see we've paid the money and where to, but is it worthwhile getting it on paper that the standing order covers the rent?
Also, my boyfriend is worried that it might seem rude to ring up and say all this; like we don't trust the landlord. Is it all just legal procedure that the landlord should be expecting anyway, or should we phrase it nicely; e.g. we're doing it like this because we don't want lots of to-ing and fro-ing in the post?

Fred1_2

Phrase it nicely and you should be ok. The landlord will, if he has any sense, ask you to sign a standing order form, which will contain your bank details (but he'll probably have those already if he's done a credit and ID check). He will then send that to your bank - if he's very trusting he might ask you to do it, but even I wouldn't do that.. Your rental agreement should state the amount of the rent, the frequency payable and the method by wihich it is to be paid.

Have you seen the contract yet? Don't part with any money until you have had time to go through it fully.

alternative-answer

I'm renting and they asked for a £300 bond to secure the property, which I was fine about, they gave me a receipt and take it off final fee.
Good luck

ThatElliottGirl

I've not seen a contract at all yet; do you think it's worth asking for in advance? I was planning to go through it thoroughly at the time, but now you mention it, I'd hate to feel pressured by the landlord standing there and watching.
We haven't had a credit or ID check yet either, is that very unusual? We've only just agreed that we want the property today, and the £500 was the first thing he asked for. And is a rental agreement the same thing as the contract?
Sorry if these are all stupid questions; there doesn't seem to be a Renting for Idiots guide out there anywhere, and you're all so helpful...

moneysavinmonkey

If you are renting privately then it is not unusual for there to be no id/credit checks - this has been my experience.

No reason why you landlord can't supply you with the rental agreement, unsigned (= contract )in advance for you to read through although in my experience this isn't standard you do have to ask politely. Should be no reason for any problem though.

Fred1_2

A rental agreement is the same as a contract. Individual landlords don't tend to do an ID or credit check. I did cos I thought it was £35 well spent.