Renting

[Hadalifeonce]

DS is about to sign for a student rental for next year. I have been asked to be guarantor, no problem. On reading the rental agreement it says that 2 weeks rent should be paid for the month BEFORE the tenancy even starts. On querying this with the agents I have been told this is, in fact, a non-returnable retention. Obviously a deposit was expected, but, does anyone know if this is standard practice these days? I am a bit miffed about it, and wonder if it's just to cover because it isn't so easy for landlords to withhold the deposit?

I have had a DC at uni every year for the last six years, no it's not normal in our uni cities, north east and West Yorkshire.

I spoke to the agent to clarify this. Apparently, the end of July/beginning of August is when the landlord carries out his maintenance and repairs i.e. between tenants; because he is essentially loosing out on 1 months rent, he demands 2 weeks 'retainer', the agent said it was to ensure it doesn't go on the market, when I pointed out that DS had already paid £100 for that, plus will be paying a deposit this week, she couldn't really explain it properly. So I put it very simply that the LL was ensuring he gets an income for the time he is making his repairs, and really has nothing to do with 'holding' the property, she had to admit that, in reality, that was it.