Renting

Lease agreements don’t have to be written, and they are hardly worth the paper they are written on anyway, especially after 6 months when you attain part 4 tenancy rights, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

In relation to the cash, your LLs tax affairs have no bearing on your tenancy so as long as he/she signs your rent book each month when you pay rent, I wouldn’t be that concerned either.

If the property is nice, and good value, then take it.

One months rent in advance is standard practice, did you ask for a rent book?

Payment in cash, no paperwork or rent book sounds well dodgy and not worth the hassle unless the price was exceptionally low.

Also they could take your deposit and disappear with the cash.

I'd run away.