UK Landlord Forum / Life

I viewed a one bedroom student property on 1-8-2018, paid a deposit that day to secure the property. Over the next few days I started doing the guarantor application however there was about 2 unsuccessful attempts as they went through the checks, and I finally found a suitable person and they were accepted, this took approximately 4 weeks.

Within the first 2 weeks, the "agent" told me that my application is taking too long and I need to pay 1/2 months rent to secure the property, even though they have already received my security deposit. I was upset and frustrated but I had no where else to live come the new school term and I really liked the flat so I paid 1/2 months rent, and I *think* I was advised this would go towards my first months rent. After another week or so, the "agent" again pressured me for the rest of the rent because the guarantor application still wasn't accepted, so I paid one months rent as I was told if I didn't I would lose the flat. In total I paid approximately £520 for one months rent.

My guarantor application was accepted on 31-8-18 and that's when I moved in. I asked the "agent" for the keys and he said I wouldn't be able to get them unless I paid one months rent in advance for the month of September. I was confused, but he said to me if I don't pay I don't get the keys even though I had just moved all my stuff in. I paid, however the next day (1-9-18) I owed rent for the month of October.

Basically, the landlord forced me to pay rent for the property whilst I wasn't even living there! Because "my application was taking too long", I thought a holding deposit secures the property? Also, I moved in on 31-8-18 and my tenancy agreement has a backdated start date! Of 1-8-2018, I was living in a completely different city at that time. The total tenancy contract length is 11 months, 1-8-18 to 30-6-19, but I didn't move in until 31st August? I was made to sign the tenancy agreement then and there or else I wouldn't get the keys. I questioned the "agent" and I cannot remember what excuse he told me. I had no where else to live and I didn't wanna lose all of my money.

I say "agent" because this guy told me that he is the agent and always speaks about the landlord in the 3rd person. In emails, on the phone and face to face. He even said to me face to face that the landlord was concerned because my application was taking too long and they were losing money whilst my application was being processed. I actually found out a few months ago that he is the landlord! Why did he lie? I feel so deceived and disrespected.

Anyway, is this legal and can anyone help me out please and point me in the right direction.. Thank you in advance

I can talk about myself in the third person too. That's not illegal.

Why did he lie? Who knows. He is an Estate Agent... that's a pretty good start.

What, ideally, do you want to do? Some things in life are too small to worry about... you seem to have lost a bit of money, but when your education pays off I doubt you'll be that bothered... if you were able to embrace the frame of mind that says you will use it as a life learning experience you might do OK. Be wary of dealing with people who want your money... this goes for car dealers too. At least you actually had somewhere to live when you needed it... that's, by far, more important.

A Holding Deposit doesn't secure a property forever...

Until you have signed the Tenancy agreement by both parties, you are not required to by rent on the property. All you should of paid is the Holding Deposit and any agency fees.

Thank you for your response.