Updating post from Reddit.
Hey, so long story short I will need to move into a house share. I am a no trouble causing full time working professional, all I want is a corner to call my own, however I am terrified of being scammed as I've seen some people even after viewing, paid deposits and it turned out to be a scam still. So my questions:
Thanks in advance, it's my first time renting by myself as currently I rent a flat with someone but we are parting ways.
It is safer to work with agencies.
If you want greater security, then look at House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) as they sign standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements. In addition your local authority has a list (often public) of all the HMO's in the area and who is managing them.
Would the list be on the local council website?
Thank you so much for that, I wasn't sure if agencies even deal with house shares so that is handy to know. Do I sign the contract first before making payment or does the payment need to be made first?
It depends on the council but yes, google "Y Council HMO Licence Register". Some will have it online or an email address to get the spreadsheet.
> Do I sign the contract first before making payment or does the payment need to be made first?
At the same time idealy, but useualy you would sign and send the money then the agent would return their signature on it. Others may do it different, their is a element of trust here for sure.
Thats why its best using an agent - rather than a random person from Facebook or whatever.
A large element of common sense needs to be applied to start - if something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Never pay for a viewing or any up front "fees" apart from a holding deposit - which is legally capped at the equivalent of one weeks rent (so if the rent is £500 per month the holding fee can't be more than £115.38.
Don't be forced into signing a tenancy agreement before you have chance to read it.
Ask where your deposit will be registered - there are only three schemes so it has to be with one of them.
Agencies are regulated more than individuals so can be a safer option, but you'll probably find the rent is a bit higher too.
Don't sign a lodger agreement - this is where your landlord lives in the same property. Lodgers have a lot less rights than regular tenants.
Hope that helps.
That helped me immensely, thank you 😊 I didn't know any of this, so I will keep that in mind. I just want everything to be done properly so that one day I won't come in and on the door will find a little "see ya" sign.
Just want to say, even if everything is done "wrong" anyone doing that is breaking the law in many many way. Once you live somewhere, you have a lot of rights.
Try searching on spareroom. Most are legit but take cognisance of all the advice given in other posts.
Yes I saw that place but was worried it might not be legit, so cheers for that
You’re guaranteed to be be lied to, manipulated and in general, scammed, if you go to an agent.
Agents have no place in the rental system and should be avoided at all costs.