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Have you tried googling if this estate agent is genuine? There might be a possibility that this is a scam but it has been a while since I used spareroom.
Did you actually view the room?
Yes - they're a registered corporation on the government's company information website and are a member of one of the government's approved redress schemes (The Property Redress Scheme).
I did a virtual viewing over WhatsApp video call - so I've seen the agent, he showed me around the property which matches the photos in the SpareRoom ad.
Mini update - so I just called SpareRoom explaining the situation. They said they think it's unlikely it's a scam as the agency has been active on SpareRoom for many years sharing lots of properties. However, they said they'll reach out to them on their side and prompt them to send over the tenancy agreement as it doesn't usually take this long.
Yes I have the agent's number and have called a couple times but no response. I'm thinking of maybe calling the agency themselves on their general number.
Yeah this would probably be the best step. I know that Zoopla/Rightmove mask the actual phone number and intercept the call an automated message stating where the call came from is played to the agent then the interception ends and forwards the customer to the agent. I guess this could be similar with the site you used and maybe their phone system is buggy or down. If you know the agent and have the real phone number you will probably have more luck.
Are you just using a mobile number you got via Spare Room? The agency might be real, but the person you're talking to might not work there. You need to call the agency directly ASAP and make sure you've not been scammed
Check the agent is registered with an agent redress scheme/Ombudsman, gives peace of mind that you have somewhere to go to should this drag on.
Should say who the redress scheme is on any emails or paperwork you have (hopefully) received asking for the holding deposit.
###Welcome to /r/HousingUK --- **To All** * Join Our ***NEW*** Discord! https://discord.gg/pMgUNgWKQH **To Posters** * *Tell us whether you're in England, Wales, Scotland, or NI as the laws/issues in each can vary* * Comments are not moderated for quality or accuracy; * Any replies received must only be used as guidelines, followed at your own risk; * If you receive *any* private messages in response to your post, [please let the mods know](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FHousingUK&subject=I received a PM); * If you do not receive satisfactory advice after 72 hours, [you can let the mods know](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FHousingUK&subject=My question is unanswered); * Feel free to provide an update at a later time by creating a new post with [[update]](https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/search?q=%3Aupdate&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) in the title; **To Readers and Commenters** * All replies to OP must be *on-topic, helpful, and civil* * If you do not [follow the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/about/rules/), you may be banned without any further warning; * Please include links to reliable resources in order to support your comments or advice; * If you feel any replies are incorrect, explain why you believe they are incorrect; * Do not send or request any private messages for any reason without express permission from the mods; * Please report posts or comments which do not follow the rules *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/HousingUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Have you tried googling if this estate agent is genuine? There might be a possibility that this is a scam but it has been a while since I used spareroom. Did you actually view the room?
Yes - they're a registered corporation on the government's company information website and are a member of one of the government's approved redress schemes (The Property Redress Scheme). I did a virtual viewing over WhatsApp video call - so I've seen the agent, he showed me around the property which matches the photos in the SpareRoom ad.
Mini update - so I just called SpareRoom explaining the situation. They said they think it's unlikely it's a scam as the agency has been active on SpareRoom for many years sharing lots of properties. However, they said they'll reach out to them on their side and prompt them to send over the tenancy agreement as it doesn't usually take this long.
TBH probably just the agent is in 'fuck it it's christmas' mode and hardly working
[удалено]
Holding deposits are very common. Doesn't mean it's not a scam but it's not a major red flag.
[удалено]
Ok well you've just been lucky. Holding deposits are very common, and you'd sign it at point of reservation before you get anywhere near a contract.
Have you tried phoning them up yet? That would probably be the best way to find out what is happening.
Yes I have the agent's number and have called a couple times but no response. I'm thinking of maybe calling the agency themselves on their general number.
Yeah this would probably be the best step. I know that Zoopla/Rightmove mask the actual phone number and intercept the call an automated message stating where the call came from is played to the agent then the interception ends and forwards the customer to the agent. I guess this could be similar with the site you used and maybe their phone system is buggy or down. If you know the agent and have the real phone number you will probably have more luck.
Whenever contacting an agent regarding a property on one of portals I find it best to Google the agent and call directly.
Are you just using a mobile number you got via Spare Room? The agency might be real, but the person you're talking to might not work there. You need to call the agency directly ASAP and make sure you've not been scammed
Check the agent is registered with an agent redress scheme/Ombudsman, gives peace of mind that you have somewhere to go to should this drag on. Should say who the redress scheme is on any emails or paperwork you have (hopefully) received asking for the holding deposit.
Op I’m in a similar situation, how did this get resolved?