Deposit Protection?

Since my husband and I don't have jobs waiting for us in England, nor anyone who could really act as a guarantor, we're prepared to pay 6 months' rent as a deposit up front for a house.  We're fine with that, even though it's a large amount of money.  What I'm worried about, though, is how safe it is.  I've read a little about the Tenancy Deposit Scheme on Wikipedia, but it's not really clear to me.  Is there a way to ensure that our money is going to be protected and put toward our rent?  Is this something that the landlord/letting agency would bring up, or do I need to?  Are there landlords who do not participate in this? I'm assuming there probably are.  Are those ones to avoid?

And when we pay the deposit, it's normal to get a receipt of some sort, right?  Something that would hold up in case the landlord turned out to be shady.  I just don't want to be out several thousand £ due to a crooked landlord!  If anyone can hold my hand through the process and explain how it works and what I need to look for, I would really appreciate it!

hello
Without UK credit history , you may need to  pay 6 months' rent and one month deposit up front for a house . if you rent from private you may just pay one month rent in advance and one month as deposit.

Try to ask poeple in this group to help you find a private landlords in your area.

kal

Thanks.  Like I said, I knew and was prepared to pay 6 months' in advance.  I was asking about the deposit protection scheme to make sure we're protected when giving such a large amount of money.

Broken, a read over that tells me this:

If a landord engages with you in a Assured Shorthold Tenancy they are required to participate in the scheme

In most situations you will be in a AST unless your rent is in excess of £25 000 or your landlord lives in your building.

In short, and I'm not a lawyer in TX, US, OR UK, it appears that you should be covered by the scheme. My advice would be do everything in writing, gets receipts for any moneys paid, and if in doubt consult with an attorney/solicitor.

Good luck!

You should be.  It is a legal requirement for this to be held in a kind of escrow account.


Vicky

I would definitely get the landlord to confirm it... if only to make sure he knows that you know.