Moving to the UK for the first time

Tenant Discussion
1

how can i trust a landlord? is it safe to sign contracts online? are all landlords on here safe?

2

@Nayrouz

If you sign a contract via openrent they collect 1st months rent and security deposit and only paid to LL up to 10 days after move in, to stop rogue LLs taking Ā£ then not handing over the keys.

But you should still do your own due diligence

For advice on scams see

Best

3

Wonder if they have a " Tenant Scams and Fraud "

4

@Colin3

They donā€™t call it that but have this

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They share some ā€˜red flagsā€™. Of course there are many more ā€˜scamsā€™ once people move in, ranging from tenants who sublet, or tenants who move a partner, pet or child in without permission to ā€˜rent to rentā€™ deals by companies or LAs who donā€™t do maintenance and return properties to the LL trashed. If a council knows a tenant is in arrears but wonā€™t find a place for them till bailliffs are called, despite the Homelessness Code, costing LLs time and Ā£ to evict, just so council can delay having to deal with the tenant, is that a scam? Etc

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5

yes I get it But notice the ā€œLandlord Scams and Fraudā€ no such heading for tenants . Bias (scared of a backlash?) even from as association that I am a part of

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6

It must be really challenging to find a place when you canā€™t see the house or meet the landlord.

Scams are rare, but do happen. Most landlords give a good service, but there are some who are less good.

If I were in your shoes I would probably go through an agent with a real high street premises, as that should reduce the risk of scams and hopefully ensure you get at least a reasonable service.

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