# Private deposit **URL:** \ **Category:** Tenant Discussion\ **Created:** [9 September 2026 17:46 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/private-deposit/91454 "2026-09-09T17:46:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Laura114](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/laura114/32/33676_2.png) [@Laura114](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Laura114)\ **Post date:** [9 September 2026 17:46 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/private-deposit/91454/1 "2026-09-09T17:46:40Z")
I viewed a property and put in an application and I was asked my email so we could discuss all the details, I have since signed the tenancy agreement however they want me to send the deposit and first months rent via bank transfer. I got a notification through open rent that I should do payments through open rent and not deal with the agency directly. Is it safe enough to do it directly with the letting agent or should I request to pay it through open rent just incase? ---
**Author:** ![A\_Z](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/a_z/32/450_2.png) [@A\_Z](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/A_Z)\ **Post date:** [9 September 2026 19:49 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/private-deposit/91454/2 "2026-09-09T19:49:49Z")
I don’t use open rent as a management platform just to advertise . I ask tenants to pay me directly I also use my own contract In light of the errors that are occurring in openrent’s automated emails I wouldn’t want to use their management platform ---
**Author:** ![Colin3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/colin3/32/450_2.png) [@Colin3](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Colin3)\ **Post date:** [9 September 2026 19:56 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/private-deposit/91454/3 "2026-09-09T19:56:30Z")
did you go into a letting agents office? ---
**Author:** ![David240](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/david240/32/29827_2.png) [@David240](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/David240)\ **Post date:** [9 September 2026 20:03 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/private-deposit/91454/4 "2026-09-09T20:03:43Z")
If the tenancy agreement was created by OpenRent and holding deposit paid to OR then balance of 1st month rent and security deposit (and putting it in deposit scheme) is done by OR. This protects tenant (OR only hand over rent up to 10 days after move in to make sure tenant gets keys) Be very careful - check LL.and agency properly if not paying via OR Advice on scams Source: NRLA [Landlord Scams & Fraud | Avoiding House Renting Scam | NRLA](https://share.google/PVOKzViy5gzw2wSOb) Check tenancy agreement- if that says pay OR and agent is saying dont then something is very wrong. Report to OR If no holding deposit paid to OR and tenancy agreement doesn’t mention OR, then OR wouldn’t be telling you to pay them… Best