Hi everyone, I’ve moved recently from New Zealand to UK. I’ve spent the last 6 months in a share house but looking at getting my own apartment now, however I know lodgers agreements and rental agreements vary greatly so I need advice.
I’ve found a place that almost feels too good to be true for many reasons, however not totally impossible either.
I found it on SpareRoom, I’ve been messaging landlord and agreed to do a viewing on Friday.
Landlord messages to tell me she lives in a different city so she’d have to take the day off work to come down and give us the tour. I said thx so much for taking the time.
This is a private arrangement btw, and not done through a rental agency.
She texted me today saying she’d need an £800 holding deposit right now as it’s a hassle to come down to the city I live in to show me and she’s been messed about by potential tenants in the past for viewings.
I replied saying I’m hesitant to do so as we’ve not met and I’ve not seen the place (I don’t even know the exact address yet).
She sent me a photo of her British passport which looks very legit to me to prove her identity and reassure me she’s not trying to rip me off.
I’ve stuck to my guns and said sorry £800 is a lot given the situation, however if we meet on Friday I’m inclined to sign the tenancy agreement then and there and pay the £800.
What do you guys think, is this 100% a scam, or is there a chance this lady is legit?
I’m not sure how things work here in England with things like this, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
Edit: I have indeed found out it was a scam, as I also received an email from Sparerooms eventually warning people of this user. I didn’t part with any money, thanks everyone for your advice :)