Hi,
I recently viewed a flat and paid a £600 holding deposit. Since the deposit was paid and with no mention beforehand the landlord has now demanded a range of arbitrary payments. These are a £250 "Goodwill" deposit, £100 deposit for my cat, a charge of £150 for a credit check and £50 for admin. When I questioned the £250 payment I was told that it was to ensure I went through with the tenancy and to cover costs if I pulled out. He has also now said that he wants six months rent in advance!
Obviously six months rent is a lot of money which I cannot fully pay and so will have to pull out of taking the flat and potentially lose my deposit.
I have not yet asked for the deposit back but just wanted to get a feel for my legal position as I have never encountered such financial demands when renting before.
Thanks for any help!
Rich
I recently viewed a flat and paid a £600 holding deposit. Since the deposit was paid and with no mention beforehand the landlord has now demanded a range of arbitrary payments. These are a £250 "Goodwill" deposit, £100 deposit for my cat, a charge of £150 for a credit check and £50 for admin. When I questioned the £250 payment I was told that it was to ensure I went through with the tenancy and to cover costs if I pulled out. He has also now said that he wants six months rent in advance!
Obviously six months rent is a lot of money which I cannot fully pay and so will have to pull out of taking the flat and potentially lose my deposit.
I have not yet asked for the deposit back but just wanted to get a feel for my legal position as I have never encountered such financial demands when renting before.
Thanks for any help!
Rich