The ad can tell you a lot about the landlord; if it’s very sparse of any information about the property then that could well be a warning sign. Genuine landlords really want to let their properties and will give lots of information about the property to do this.

In a similar vein speak to them over the phone and ask for details like nearest bus routes, train or tube stations, etc. Size of rooms, what appliances are provided etc. A landlord would know this information easily.

Never hand over any money until you have viewed the property and ask to meet the landlord or their agent at the property. Never hand over any money until you have a receipt and confirmation of home/business or trading address etc.

I ask all my prospective tenants to come to my home office to pay the holding deposit, collect paperwork or drop it off. This is as much for them as it is for me. They know where I live; they can see my home/office and see that I am genuine.

A recent tenant applicant asked for a copy of MY driving licence or passport. I thought this was brilliant and in ten years was the first time I’d been asked for it. I also showed her my Data Protection certificate, my Consumer Credit Licence, proof I protect bonds, do gas certs and get EPCs. Any landlord should be able to produce at least some of these and especially for the property you’re applying for – ask to see them.

If you’re in any doubt whatsoever just walk away. There are good genuine landlords out there who will be happy to let to you; take the time to find one of them and keep your money in your pocket until you do.

Lisa
http://www.pipaforum.com/blog

There can be a disadvantage of advertising on free to list sites such as gumtree for both landlords and tenants. If a site is offering a free service, there are not many barriers for scam artists as it does not cost them anything to give their scam a go on the site. We have not attracted any scam artists on our site as they would not want to pay to list a property.

You may be better of keeping to property sites where the Landlord does have to pay to advertise their property.

Both times, I said that I was suspicious and was not about to send financial information through email. Both of these examples were in response to my ad on Gumtree.

This morning (05/09/09), I have received yet another response to my ad which is sizing-up to be the same style as the above two examples. I am deliberately ‘entertaining’ the respondee, whilst investigating if there is anything which I can do to help catch the culprits.

Does anyone know what the best action would be ?