Deposit Before Lease

therambler

Hi all,

There were a few groups interested in a house. We all went up yesterday morning and viewed the property. Yesterday evening the landlord chose us.

She wants the deposit paid by Friday. She's given us her bank details for us to pay the deposit. However, we have nothing signed and no written proof of anything as this was conducted by a voice call.

Have we any protection for our deposits if she were to decide to give the house to somebody else?

I'm not entirely comfortable with the group of us giving over €2000 to a landlord we've met once without having any written guarantee that we'll get the house!

Victor

Tell the landlord you want the lease.

At minimum, get a receipt for a "security deposit". Make sure it doesn't say "holding deposit".

paric

What happens if you get a deposit to hold a room after a week they ring cancel as they've found other student acc and want money back. Meanwhile multiple students were turned away as room supposedly gone.

Victor

That could be a holding deposit situation, but it will be down to the facts of the case.

Was it described as holding deposit?

Was the deposit for the sole purpose of holding the property available for the prospective tenant?

When was the tenancy due to start?

Is the property currently vacant?

Has the landlord incurred a loss?

Personally, I would be looking to cover administration and re-advertising costs.

ebbsy

I would be making sure that person actually owns the house as well.