How can I be sure my landlord is the legal owner of the house

[ericawong]

Sorry if my question sounds stupid to you.
I m fr overseas and a rental property has come up on gumtree that my family finds it ideal. We won't be able to arrive till Aug 2022.

Now the landlord wants us to pay the rent for the entire stay which is at least half a year. I understand and accept that this is the arrangement for non local tenants.

But when we check the hm land registry, the name of the owner of the house is different from the name of the landlord I talk to via gum tree.

The landlord, who said she owns various properties, claims that she has numerous 5 stars reviews of her units on various portals like booking. Com etc . Firstly I don't know how to check these portals . Second even though I m able to do it, can I really verify that she is the real landlord???

To reduce embarrassment, May I know how I can guarantee that all the rent I paid go to the right person? Thx

That sounds exactly like a scam.

I would write to the person listed on the land registry to tell them x person is claiming to be able to rent out their home.

You were sensible to check.

Do not proceed with this property!

Definitely do not do this.

I would very much doubt rentals for August will be advertised now.
Short term let when you arrive, then rent in person after visiting the property.
Good luck with the move.

Unfortunately this does sound like a scam. Of course there are reputable landlords who advertise on Gumtree, but unfortunately there are also scammers on there. I work in the private rented sector and scams do happen to innocent tenants who are just trying to find a home so you are right to be wary www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/how-secure-are-classified-sites-another-tenant-scammed-by-fake-landlord-via-gumtree/

There is some advice from Gumtree itself here blog.gumtree.com/renting-heres-a-few-ways-to-stay-safe/

Have you tried Open Rent? www.openrent.co.uk/find-property-to-rent-from-private-landlords

@Esspee

I am a landlord and advertise on Gumtree. I am scrupulously honest so feel somewhat aggrieved that some of you are implying all property rentals on that portal are dodgy. I don't use an agent. This bumps the price up for the tenant and I feel more comfortable dealing with a prospective tenant in person.

My advice to you is to get temporary accommodation and view prospective properties in person. Do NOT pay the rental in advance. The landlord should be registered with the local authority. If it feels dodgy it probably is. I provide my address on the lease which can be checked.

this bumps up the price for the tenant???

Bollocks does it. It reduces your profit. Don't make it sound like you're doing your tenants a favour.

You are very unlikely to find a rental for August now, and if you do I would want to know what is wring with it! Typically properties are advertised when the current occupant give notice, so a couple of months before it will actually be available.
Do you need an address to apply for school places?
Please go through an agency, it is really worth it esp when coming from abroad, they can help you navigate the process and it helps to have someone you can call 24/7 if there is a problem. We have found this very very helpful! No got water and heating was sorted out immediately. Perhaps if you say which area you are looking in people can recommend good agencies?

Properties usually only become available 1 or 2 months in advance. If its currently let there is no guarantee the Tennant will move out in August, they have no legal reason to have to. (assuming this is not a scam) you'd be mad to part with any money.