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Nervous about Letting Agent

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  • 28-04-2011 2:37am
    #1
    Folly go Lightly
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭


    I'm hoping someone can help me.
    I have just paid a deposit on a flat, and due to pay the rest next week when I move in and sign the lease.

    I found the ad on daft and its all being done through a letting agent.
    He only leaves a first name and a mobile number. This letting agent has had a lot of recent ads on daft, but he has no office, email or even website.

    I checked the PRTB website, but it doesn't seem like the property is registered.

    I really want this flat, but am feeling nervous that there is no trace of his business other than the ads on daft.
    I have already handed over a cash deposit, and I am just wondering is it normal for a letting agent to be only contacted by a mobile phone number, and not to have an office or even a website?


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    #2
    the_syco
    Registered Users Posts: 37,299 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Folly go Lightly wrote: »
    I have already handed over a cash deposit, and I am just wondering is it normal for a letting agent to be only contacted by a mobile phone number, and not to have an office or even a website?
    Errr... some of these work from home, but not sure about handing over a deposit before moving in? Could you PM me him mobile number. Would like to Google it to see what comes up.


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    #3
    SteoL
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,545 ✭✭✭SteoL


    A lot of scam artists post ads on Daft. I agree with The Syco - shouldn't hand over any cash before you move. Hope you haven't been done.


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    #4
    bobmalooka
    Registered Users Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭bobmalooka


    Theres also a good few unemployed people acting as non registered letting agents to make a few bob on the side, I know a couple of people doing this, they are undercutting regular agents prices so ya should be getting a decent price at least.

    Hope its not a scam, ya shouldn't hand over deposit till you get the keys imo.


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    #5
    Folly go Lightly
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭Folly go Lightly


    the_syco wrote: »
    Errr... some of these work from home, but not sure about handing over a deposit before moving in? Could you PM me him mobile number. Would like to Google it to see what comes up.
    SteoL wrote: »
    A lot of scam artists post ads on Daft. I agree with The Syco - shouldn't hand over any cash before you move. Hope you haven't been done.
    bobmalooka wrote: »
    Theres also a good few unemployed people acting as non registered letting agents to make a few bob on the side, I know a couple of people doing this, they are undercutting regular agents prices so ya should be getting a decent price at least.

    Hope its not a scam, ya shouldn't hand over deposit till you get the keys imo.

    Thanks for your responses.
    He told me I had to pay a deposit in order to 'hold' the property for me until I sign the lease, and pay the rest of the money.

    Is this not normally done?
    How else does someone secure a flat if they are not moving in for a couple of weeks?


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    #6
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,393 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Folly go Lightly wrote: »
    Thanks for your responses.
    He told me I had to pay a deposit in order to 'hold' the property for me until I sign the lease, and pay the rest of the money.

    Is this not normally done?
    How else does someone secure a flat if they are not moving in for a couple of weeks?
    Its called a holding deposit. Depending on the terms, you may lose this if you decide not to take the property.


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    #7
    prettygurrly
    Registered Users Posts: 727 ✭✭✭prettygurrly


    We paid a holding deposit and STILL haven't been allowed to move in and this is with a reputable company in town. The laws in this country are a joke. I am now homeless.


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    #8
    the_syco
    Registered Users Posts: 37,299 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    prettygurrly wrote: »
    I am now homeless.
    As you said
    Folly go Lightly wrote: »
    I have just paid a deposit on a flat, and due to pay the rest next week when I move in and sign the lease.
    It would seem that the previous tenants are moving out next week, and you move in shortly afterwards?


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