Updating post from Reddit.
I found a property on gumtree with a private landlord, I went to view it everything was fine but now the landlord has sent me over a contract and asked me to pay a deposit to a bank account that isn’t under the landlords name. They sent me the deed to the property but I don’t know if these things can be faked Can somone help a girl out
He's not the landlord, do not give him any money. Do not leave a deposit with anyone. Do not get a money order, Western Union, Money Gram, transfer, actual money. Any person, business or process he nominates as an independent third party is absolutely not. Do not send a photo of a receipt, barcode, reference number, tracking number, postal order Just to prove that you're serious/reliable/ have enough money.
Don't give him, his mum, his sister, his cousin, his business partner, his cleaner, his anything, a brown paper bag stuffed with banknotes. Not for a holding fee, not for the deposit, not for advance payment of rent, security fobs, keys. Carpet cleaning, not for council tax, utilities or admin fees.
Security deposits must be made to government mandated schemes, check the details in advance.
Ask for more information. Being cautious isn't rude or wrong. For £7 you can check the owner on Land Registry (UK govt site) if you feel the need.
Do not rent from someone in gumtree. If landlords are looking to privately rent and do it themselves, they will use open rent.
not a 1:1 rule, I rented off gumtree years ago. but for sure I'd be careful
I rented my place out via someones post asking if a landlord had a place to rent on gumtree and I would try it again when the time comes. Although what op has described is very dodgy. It screams rent to rent scam and could end up with an eviction for the new tenant unfortunately.
Is the risk worth it? That seems a bit shady. Why wasn't he upfront when you had the viewing?