Post
by Plum70 » Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:42 pm
I feel the need to contribute to this post from a slightly different angle - private rentals.
For anyone who has been scathed by estate agents and would rather go private - it's a good idea only if you find a responsible private landlord. Unfortunately there seem to be as many scams as there are genuine offers these days; so be very careful!
Here's my advice based on very recent experience -
Be wary of comms that read:
Property to rent (rent significantly lower than the average asking market value for type of property and area) all bills inclusive (super fast internet, central heating, water, BT, car parking and garden).
"Looking for a someone who will move into my proprty asap. I am very busy, do not live locally, am renting on behalf of family/friend who has moved elsewhere and so can only arrange a viewing if you are cerain you want the property".
"Need someone who can demonstrate that they are serious by showing funds to cover one month's rent and deposit". They may suggest using western union to transfer funds to your family or friend (as a means of showing available funds). They will then ask that you send them a copy of the funds transfer receipt as proof (before a property viewing and tenancy sign up) only to use the code on it to transfer your money to their account and vanish!
As has been said a gazillion times: "If it sounds too good to be true..." The age old trick of scammers is to gain your trust, make you believe that they are responsible as well as make you unconsciously feel pressured into making a decision and guilty if you voice any doubts or tarry in closing the deal.
Tips:
If you are flat hunting on social networking sites, unregulated sites like gumtree etc. then make sure you know who you are dealing with. Ask for their full name and address, a fixed landline number, their occupation and, if possible place of work. Do not hand over any money or sensitive info (except your name and tel. no if needed) until you have viewed the flat (preferrably twice - day and night time- with someone accompanying you), seen proof of ownership (mortgage letters, statements etc), checked with land registry that it is legit etc. Also make sure you ask what scheme your deposit will be held in as required by law to ensure you recover it at end of tenancy.
Tenancy agreement: Always ask for reasonable time to read through and ask questions/consult specialist legal advisors where unsure. It must include details of which persons are going into the agreement (full names and addresses), the full property address, monthly rent amount (how it will be paid: by direct debit, cheque, standing order) and what bills are inclusive, deposit amount, how long the tenancy is secure for before notice can be given by either party, rent can be reviewed etc. Also ensure that a full inventory of what is in the proprty and state of the property is taken in your presence and agreed on. This will reduce the likelihood of any disputes at tenancy end. Also ensure that you get a proper receipt for any monies you hand over at start of tenancy.
No system is full proof (whether via an agent or private owner) and I have been exremely lucky to find genuine private landlords throughout my stay in London. However, this seems to be on the decline as more unscrupulous and, dare I say, quite cleverly put together scams pervade the internet. So if you are sceptical about an offer then: ask questions; run the scenario by family or close friends; do some research/investigation online by googling the advert, the person's details, property address (to see whether it was recently sold/bought), if it is registered via the council/land registry; if close by, visit the area and even speak with neighbours to get some background info. Sometimes scammers use properties that they have broken into or properties that they are simply watching for a friend or family member who is temporarily away.
Bottom line: Keep your fist well clenched unless you are satisfied with the enquiries you've made and the answers (and proof) you've received from a prospective landlord/lady.
Hope this helps in some way. Oh, and I will be happy to receive references of tried and tested reputable estate agents in London. I have never used one so am highly sceptical of their business practices.
Thanks
