Flat Deposit - What's the safest method?

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Hi,

I intended to begin searching for a room in a flat-share in London next week.

I was wondering, what is the best and safest method to hand out a Flats Deposit?

In the country where I come from, we usually purchase a debt-bond from the local post office, specify a certain amount and use that as a deposit.
This method is considered safe - for the tenant and for the landlord, although might require a bit more effort from the landlord if he would like to cash it in (a court order).

Is there a similar method for handling flat deposits in the UK? is this the standard method? (What is the standard method?)

I would not feel safe in handing a Large sum of cash to a landlord that might refuse to give it back even when the tenancy is over.

Another thing, Do you think it's possible to live comfortably in London with about 1900 GBP (net) per month (1 person)?

Thank you.

QMS

becjerami · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

Hi, I can't comment on the flat deposit, but £1900 net per month for one person is pretty damn good and more than a lot of people in London have to splash about - you'll be fine! I reckon the minimum you can get by on (not saving anything but living just about ok) is about £1000 net per month.

HITCH · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

read this link
http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-7507.cfm?r=gaw&WT.srch=1&gclid=CLzhsue9-ZACFQJDMAodI1zprw

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 2224

which is the law,fine. but there are a lot of crooks out there, read the forum.

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Thanks for your reply!

So if I understand correctly, I need to pay the deposit in Cash and the Landlord has to protect it using some sort of tenancy deposit scheme.

If he doesn't do so within 14 days, then I get the right to sue him.

Only question is, if I join a flat share do I sign an "assured shorthold tenancy" agreement?

What's considered an "assured shorthold tenancy"?

Thank you!

Miss Frisky · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 874 Location: Norfolk

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

That's good to know.

Is it common to provide the deposit with a cheque? Or do they require (untraceable) Cash Bills?

So the only thing left is to verify the Identity of the Landlord.
I read somewhere that you should ask to see a Mortgage Statement...

Are there any other recommended ways to verify a landlord's identity?

FunkyT · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 124

Miss Frisky · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 874 Location: Norfolk

unless u are renting through an agent it is hard to verify the landlord is who he says he is, however, the tenancy agreement should have the landlords contact details on it usually the same page as your tenancy details such as length of tenancy rent amount ect...

always get a receipt for your deposit and your rent.

If your really that concerned i would suggest not going with that landlord and fins one you are more comfortable with

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Dirty Boy · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 1500

There is ... of sorts.

You can find out who owns a property (search for the details on this forum, if you want, using the search key above), but then, what's to stop a con man doing the same, and turning up with some fake ID in that persons name?

Possibly, you could equally ask fo several forms of photo ID, maybe like a passport. But, who can say, really.

impaired · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 242 Location: London

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

impaired · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 242 Location: London

Hi no47inline

I am the owner of the apartment. I actually state that in the ads I have placed on the gumtree flatshare listings. Some (possibly most) people choose not to live with the owner, whilst others would rather live with the owner … for whatever reason.

When replying to an ad ask if they are the homeowner. When you see the flat/house and meet them, you will have an understanding of the situation. There are sparsely furnished properties with people coming and going, and there are proud property owners just looking for a bit of help paying the mortgage.

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

impaired · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 242 Location: London

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Can someone please verify if the "Deposit protection schemes", other schemes, laws etc really apply if you are renting a room in a flat-share?

HITCH · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject:

Why don't you give shelter or the citizens advice a call.

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4751

impaired · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 242 Location: London

I phoned up Shelter 08088004444 yesterday and – as Bluey explains – when a lodger with no contract is sharing amenities (kitchen/bathroom) with the owner the "Deposit protection scheme" doesn’t apply.

I learnt something else too: when a lodger with no contract is sharing amenities with the owner, he does have some protection when asked to leave … if he is paying weekly the owner/landlord has to give one week’s notice; if paying monthly, one months notice. I failed to ask from the landlord’s point of view.

no47inline · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Thanks!

This is great news. It seems us flat-sharers have some protection after all.

Thanks again.

Dirty Boy · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 1500

You could also rent in a flat-share, where it is a group of individuals renting the property. That way, you'd be as covered as if you were renting it yourself (as long as your housemates were equally sensible about things too)

hectorian · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

Hi,

My assured shorthold tenancy ended 2 weeks ago however I didn't get my deposit money paid back to my account. I tried to contact the letting agency via e-mail but no one seems to bother answering me. Since I moved abroad I didn't want to call them since it was expensive so I wrote an electronic letters instead. How do I act in these circumstances to force them to pay me my deposit back? Please note I am currently living outside of UK.

Thanks.