Shady Landlord?

We a deposit on a place a week ago. Since then the landlord has delayed on letting us move into the flat for what seem to be legitimate reasons, e.g. just got a new boiler and has to get it commissioned before we can move in.

But then we found out thru some friend that he a) still showing the place and b) taking deposits from other people. Is this legal?! 

In the very least he has been dishonest with us. He told our friends that we were "top of the list" and had out deposit in first, but that he also had some people as #2 who had also put the deposit down. he then offered our friends to be third. he also said that we wouldn't be moving in for another 7-10 days despite the fact we've discussed moving in this week.

I'm incensed but don't know if this is how things work here. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

EDIT: I should clarify that the deposit we put down was 100 pounds, not the first 6 weeks rent. Our take on this was that this meant he wouldn't be showing the place to anyone else. We've offered to put first and lasts down but so far he hasn't wanted that.
 

He sounds like a crook.  I would demand your money back and look for somewhere else.  Tell him that you are aware of what he is up to.  If he refuses to give you your money back, go to the police.

He is more concerned about looking after himself rather than the tenants.  Do you want to rent from someone like that?? I would be worried constantly that he is up to no good.

Not worth the worry for you.  Your home is somewhere you should feel relaxed and safe..not on edge.

I am afraid that it sounds as if you have been scammed.  I'd go and get your money back, then report him.  If he has taken a deposit then he should be using the new deposit scheme, if he isn't he is breaking the law.

Vicky

Do you make anything of that fact he only asked for a 100 pound initial deposit? I've read the tenancy schemes and they are obviously for the security deposit/last months rent. VictoriaS, are you suggesting that asking for only a 100 pounds means he isn't following the tenancy scheme?

I feel like this is wrong, but if its a scam its a strangely ineffective one...a 100 pounds at a time from folks? Don't get me wrong, I want that money back, but it doesn't seem worth effort....

I am afraid that it sounds as if you have been scammed.  I'd go and get your money back, then report him.  If he has taken a deposit then he should be using the new deposit scheme, if he isn't he is breaking the law.

Vicky

totally agree.

I feel like this is wrong, but if its a scam its a strangely ineffective one...a 100 pounds at a time from folks? Don't get me wrong, I want that money back, but it doesn't seem worth effort....

sometimes they dont even own the property but scam people and then disappear with all the £100 deposits, over a 10 day period there could be numerous people paying numerous deposits. I hope this is not the case for you.

All: thanks for the feedback. It's good to know my fears are founded:

lilmrsmullen: thanks for the input on how the scam might work. even though we've been to the property and checked it out, something is clearly up.

What body do I report them to (police, government office, etc.)?

If you have been to the property then, assuming it is really his (check on the land registry) that you have an advantage.

I would start by saying that you have changed your time ask asking for the money back.  If he is not forthcoming, ask if it went into the deposit scheme.  If it didn't and he still doesn't hand over, I think trading standards would be the people.

Vicky

Did you sign a contract?  Why was it only £100?

Your deposit should be governed by your tenancy agreement and is usually at least one months rent.  You should not be expected to leave a deposit until agreements are signed.  As mentioned by others the deposit should go into the independent scheme.  Unfortunately if you dont have anything in writing you dont have much recourse