Hi. I REALLY love the look of a listing, and am wondering about placing a holding deposit to show the landlord how serious I am about their property, as I know all landlords must get hundreds of enquires. I’ve read the FAQ’s about holding deposits and I’m still unclear about something. Let’s say I put the holding deposit down BEFORE going to see the place in person, but when I get there, the place looks nothing like the pictures or other problems that lead me to change my mind. So I don’t sign any contract or agree to anything. Do I then get my holding deposit back?
why would you do that ,messing up the landlord s plans ? Would you like a landlord to say you can have a place and then say no you cannot? Change your mind ,lost the money.
Many Landlords do not wish a holding deposit to be paid until they have selected their preferred applicant.
It won’t make a difference. It won’t secure anything. If anything it may annoy landlord if you do it without agreement. The system is poor to allow it.
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If you place a holding deposit and decide you don’t like the place you legally can lose your money.
I would never accept a person placing a holding deposit before viewing as I’ve known it to be a scam tactic for people who would otherwise not be accepted. ( I evicted a tenant who did exactly that to secure his next house)
I would not accept your holding deposit and decline to entertain you as a prospective tenant.