An agency shouldnt be using open rent
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agreed Mark, but when I look at the two profiles advertising that property, assuming for a second they are genuine - there’s 20, 30 plus properties there each - I might be naive but surely not one individual owns that many/can manage that many by themselves
If I did it full time I could manage 30+ properties.
well, a carbon copy of the broken english/gibberish response has come through, inviting me to a viewing tomorrow. I’ll go along to this seeing as I have another viewing in the same area later that day. But I’m so very sceptical anyone will be there. But here’s the message - bear in mind between me starting this thread and this coming through, I messaged several times asking for at least an ackwnoeldgement of my first query and a non generic response. Anyway, we will see :
Proposed Open Viewing in Apt 203 Barton Place 3 Hornbeam Way M4 4AT
Hi,
Thank you for receiving the interest of viewing.
As many viewers have shown their interest and offer the different time, however, we would arrange you an open viewing in the peak time majority chosen as well.
An open viewing will be arranged at 20 Feb (Mon) 12:45pm. We will wait you at entrance at Barton Place on time.
We would confirm the attendance subject to you have replied basic background information as below:
- The update rental price is in £875.00.
- Planning and flexibility of move in schedule (It always take around two to three weeks time if you are justified in viewing)
- Profession with indicated stable source of salary. Without supporting source of income, number of upfront in rental is required.
- It is two double beds, please demonstrate the relationship as you have other family members and other partner with sufficient background information.
- No virtual viewing is acceptable if you cannot attend the viewing.
6.No CCJ is acceptable.
If you do not reply the above condition clearly and cannot fulfil some requirements, the viewing is hardly arranged for you.
also, they reference ‘entrance for Barton place’. It has two gated entrances at opposite ends, while the building also needs a fob. I’ve asked which. Betting I don’t get a reply…
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@Andrew92 What was the outcome of the viewing?
Well, it isn’t a scam…as of yet. I wasn’t the only attendee either. The landlord spoke english but not very well which explains the automated and occasional nonsensical messages. However, possible cause for concern was when i asked next steps and if it’s done through OR. He said no and that we’ll communicate via WhatsApp for now. He’s sent me the following form to fill in, unsure if this is the ‘norm’ or not? Also difficult to tell how easy communication would be following commencement of a tenancy
fill the form in and send no money
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Cheers Colin. That’s the plan. He’s asked me if id consider paying two months rent up front as part of an offer. Doesnt bode well
Have you checked who owns the property thru land Registry ? Only costs about £3
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Probably trying to access your information that you should certainly not give. In these times where many are desperate to find affordable accomodation is why they target those looking. We live in an increasingly complex and bewildering society. More and more legislation to comply with as a landlord in residence of an HMO the imposition of AFDD electrical ‘protection’ that would cost me a great deal is the last straw I will close down so one less honest landlord and I will be living in a huge empty house.Sell it? capital gains tax means I will not,yet another unintended consequence.
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It doesn’t sound like he knows much about the legal requirements of being a landlord and I foresee problems with this tenancy. On balance I think I’d move on.
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Filling a form in is not the norm for us, we get any info we want by asking at the viewings. Do not send any money other than via OR. Two months (or more) rent upfront is certainly not unusual now but again paid to OR who hold it for two weeks before forwarding to landlord.
Have you checked whether this apartment is an AirBnB, this sounds a bit like the scam of hiring an apartment for a day and conducting a load of viewings before taking as many deposits, rent in advance etc as possible.
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Might you be using a fake copy website? There was a programme on Radio4 yesterday about similar with Airbnb. Apparently the fake site is really good and relies on the fact that people trust the brand to refund money if the property is no good but actually they are faking scammers. It is £3.50 to do a land registry check to see who owns a property. Money well spent.
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I do ask tenants to complete an application form and it is recommended by NRLA to do this.
Hi
I have been asked to pay a deposit for a house without viewing? To secure it as he said he has 45 other people interested
He has sent proof of ownership and his passport?
@Demi2 Ask yourself, why would he pick you without even doing checks or meeting you? Golden rule dont hand over cash until you’ve viewed and satisfied.
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He may have said the same to 45 other people . To send money without viewing and meeting him is foolish .to even consider it . You must be desperate
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Demi I would recomend you replace your picture with a blank outline like most other applicants.
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Just thought I’d update on this one. It certainly appears to be an agency/small group of people. After they asked for two months rent at a slightly higher price, I said no and reaffirmed my ‘offer’. I was then sent (this is all to a business whatsapp) a couple of other properties (ads are on here) that they had, they kept saying ‘that we have’ and that I was under consideration by the landlord for the one I was interested in, but ‘we’ have other flats. The ad is still up, but I’ve not heard anything back.
While I no longer think it’s a scam, I am very confused by the whole thing