Advice on paying deposit

North of 32

My friend has come across an apartment.
The landlord lives abroad, and the current tenants are moving out shortly. They are letting the house on a lease with no end date. My friend has visited the apartment and would like to move in.
The current tenants have asked for the deposit to be forwarded to them by Friday. However, my friend is reluctant to do this for obvious reasons - he would prefer to forward the deposit to the landlord.
As I mentioned, they've visited the apartment and the current tenants seem genuine enough, but they have had no interaction with the landlord and have not seen a contract. They would very much like to make a move on the apartment but they're not sure how to cover themselves with regards to the deposit.

Browney7

North of 32 wrote: »

My friend has come across an apartment.
The landlord lives abroad, and the current tenants are moving out shortly. They are letting the house on a lease with no end date. My friend has visited the apartment and would like to move in.
The current tenants have asked for the deposit to be forwarded to them by Friday. However, my friend is reluctant to do this for obvious reasons - he would prefer to forward the deposit to the landlord.
As I mentioned, they've visited the apartment and the current tenants seem genuine enough, but they have had no interaction with the landlord and have not seen a contract. They would very much like to make a move on the apartment but they're not sure how to cover themselves with regards to the deposit.

I'd avoid like the plague - putting time pressure on them to secure something that's in short supply reeks to me like a scam

exaisle

Dont under any circumstances give the deposit to the outgoing tenants without the express approval of the landlord.

Also, they should be aware that if there isn't an Irish agent dealing with the property and collecting rent then they are obliged to deduct 20% of the rent and forward that to the Revenue....

North of 32

Browney7 wrote: »

North of 32 wrote: »

My friend has come across an apartment.
The landlord lives abroad, and the current tenants are moving out shortly. They are letting the house on a lease with no end date. My friend has visited the apartment and would like to move in.
The current tenants have asked for the deposit to be forwarded to them by Friday. However, my friend is reluctant to do this for obvious reasons - he would prefer to forward the deposit to the landlord.
As I mentioned, they've visited the apartment and the current tenants seem genuine enough, but they have had no interaction with the landlord and have not seen a contract. They would very much like to make a move on the apartment but they're not sure how to cover themselves with regards to the deposit.

I'd avoid like the plague - putting time pressure on them to secure something that's in short supply reeks to me like a scam

I agree, but on the other hand it seems like apartment leases are often transferred haphazardly like this among students/young people, especially in places like Galway town center where there's ferocious demand and you can get away with treating people unprofessionally/disrespectfully.
My friend has access to the current occupant's Facebook page and has physically been in the apartment. The apartment actually existing is always a good starting point.

North of 32

exaisle wrote: »

Dont under any circumstances give  the deposit to the outgoing tenants without the express approval of the landlord.

Also, they should be aware that if there isn't an Irish agent dealing with the property and collecting rent then they are obliged to deduct 20% of the rent and forward that to the Revenue....

Hmm, the plot thickens. I believe the landlord is Irish but primarily resides abroad.

exaisle

North of 32 wrote: »

Hmm, the plot thickens. I believe the landlord is Irish but primarily resides abroad.

Doesn't matter.If he resides abroad, then the same rules apply.Even if they are paying the rent into an Irish bank account.