AIBU to be suspicious of this LL?

[Nicebucket]

In case anyone has followed my previous thread about my flat hunt, I've finally found a place that seems suitable.

The rent is within my budget and inclusive of all bills. The area is also fab!

But

There had to be a catch :-(

The landlord wants the rent ONLY via cash or cheque. For reasons I cannot understand, he is unwilling accept payment via bank transfer.

I found this a bit dodgy! The guy i spoke to is the property manager, who manages and maintains flats for the landlord. He's the one who collects rent etc. and he is saying the landlord won't accept bank transfers, and he prefers cash/cheque.

I found out about this guy via an agency and he rents properties via the agency as well. I've dealt with that agency before and I know they're all right. But this particular flat is not being let via the agency (which I dint kind because it saves me money on agency fees)

He's willing to give me signed receipts for the cash and the cheques are all recorded anyway.

I still find this dodgy! Clearly he has a bank account, which is how he'd cash the cheques. So why can't I make a transfer to that account? And the cash is even dodgier! Surely he's trying to evade tax or worse?

Would you do it? Would you agree to pay rent only via cash/cheque?

In case this LL is dodging tax, or doing something criminal could I get into legal trouble for it?

I know I could keep looking for something else, but I've really struggled and I couldn't find anything as nice as this for the price :-(

[poocatcherchampion]

Walk away. That is illegal.

[00100001]

Walk away!!!!!!

[HeyDuggee]

There's a few ways to protect a deposit. One way is to physically hand over the money to a 3rd party. The second way is to pay an annual fee to protect it but keep it in a separate account (as a LL).

Lots of people prefer the 2nd method because the landlord is still responsible for the deposit, as he is the one who "deposits" to a 3rd party to keep.

As a tenant, you still get a number for your protection scheme and there will be literature given to you explaining what happens at end of tenancy.

So if it says in the contract it will be protected, it will be.

I also highly doubt any property manager a wouldnt protect it.

[bittapitta]

There are lots of property scams in London unfortunately as so many people are desperate to rent. Most are easy to sniff out, well done for being cautious. It has been illegal for a number of years for the landlord not to use a proper Deposit Protection Scheme so I would not go ahead on that basis given your latest update. (I'd also be suspicious that they say they accept cheques now but they might claim it bounced or whatever and ask for cash.)

[00100001]

Ask the PM what scheme the moneybwill be in, and if he says something like "oh no need, I'll make sure you get it back" or whatever. Then run a mile

[Baconyum]

Heyduggee the law is very clear on this

england.shelter.org.uk/news/previous_years/2012/april_2012/deposit_protection_law_changes

It must be placed in a recognised DPS.

[OutToGetYou]

Nope.

The money goes into a scheme or you don't go into the flat. End of story. He doesn't actually get a choice.

I call scam.

(for that reason, nothing to do with the cash or cheque thing)

[specialsubject]

as everyone else says - landlord is going to break the law and is happily telling you that he will do so.

don't walk - run.

please don't rent from crooks!!

[Nicebucket]

I know, but this person won't budge. The whole thing has a dodgy family business feel, and he is adamant he won't be accepting bank transfer or putting deposit in a scheme.

I have literally no other option. This price and area were just right. What shall I do?

[Nicebucket]

For me personally, I get slightly suspicious of all LL who don't go via agency, prefer cash etc.

How do I know my rent isn't actually funding a drug racket or something worse and that I won't get into trouble for it?

[LuckyLuckyMe]

I'm a LL and I've never met any of my tenants. I'm also a property manager for other LL's and they've never met any of their tenants. It's quite normal here in Ireland.

It's also very normal here for older LL's not to want to give out bank details as they think someone could clean out their account and it doesn't matter how many times we try to explain it they will not budge. There are even a few who won't use email

[Nicebucket]

I really HAVE to save money and I prefer not to share (even if it means longer commute) I don't want to go over £900-£1000 with bills.

What are my options in London?

[Nicebucket]

Really? No email either?

[LuckyLuckyMe]

How do you know what any LL does with the money?
As long as you have receipts and a contract you cannot be held responsible for what a LL does with the money AFAIK.

[LuckyLuckyMe]

Just a few older, old-fashioned types. I don't know if it's that they won't use email or they are not computer literate.

[FanDabbyFloozy]

NiceBucket - can I ask what part of the capital you will be renting in?

Has the landlord run employment/credit/background checks on YOU?

If not, he is not reputable. I know the market in London well and believe you me, it's hard to be a dodgy landlord given the deposit protection scheme. So most of the straight LLs tend to do many checks on a potential tenant.

If he doesn't do that, and won't lodge the gaurantee properly, I fear what other shady things may go on, I.e. no notice given if they want you to move.

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

Which part of London is that? The rent is suspiciously cheap

[lavenderhoney]

If he won't put the deposit into the dps scheme it's very unlikely you will get it back.

The property agent is behaving oddly as they should be the ones making sure a DPS scheme is used.

The cheque not transfer thing is not weird, but where do you post the cheque to? The agent?

Keep looking.

[wowfudge]

Nothing apart from not protecting your deposit as compelled by law is an issue - but that's a big issue. Walk away and find somewhere else.

[InimitableJeeves]

If you are paying rent and getting receipts there is no way that you could be held responsible for what your landlord does with the money. I really don't understand why you think anyone would think it odd that someone is paying a regular sum of money out of their account every month.

But the lack of a deposit scheme would be no-no. Have you pointed out the law to the agent? If he is condoning and indeed supporting a landlord who won't use it, he could be in trouble.

[WhatTheJeffHasGoneOnHere]

The deposit has to be in a scheme legally. Walk away.

[Nicebucket]

This is in Queensway. So yes, very cheap. The studio was pretty dodgy too to be honest. It isn't modern, or very big. But given the price and area, I said yes.

I even gave him £150 in cash for which he gave me a handwritten receipt.

Yes, you can call me stupid.

[Nicebucket]

He's asked for passport copy and proof of employment. But no background check.

[specialsubject]

fine, go ahead. Don't expect to see the deposit ever again, don't expect repairs. The guy is a lawbreaker - not because of how he handles the money but because he refuses to protect the deposit.

gas safe?

I always say 'don't rent dumps off crooks'. You are proposing to do exactly that, with your eyes wide open.

well, at least it is a cheap dump.

[OutToGetYou]

I can't understand why you are still talking about this. Look for another place.