Hi, I'll be renting a room in my home for the first time. The person who's moving in next Saturday wants to pay the rent by direct debit, and has emailed me twice in the last couple of days looking for my bank details (and house keys). He wants to pay me online from his own bank account, and has asked me for my name, bank name, account number and sort code. This person is a complete stranger. Is it normal to give bank details to lodgers/tenants? Is it safe even? I really need to know what to do in this situation. Thanks.
Tenant looking for Bank details
- Thread starter Lizard
- Start date
employer reference ? previous landlords details ? - have you not carried out some routine checks anyway ? - copy of bank statement, copy of driving license, copy of passport - and yes cash for first couple of months would be a good idea and ensure you take a holding deposit too.
alaskaonline
Registered User
- Messages
- 489
why would you want it in cash? the tenant probably wants some sort of proof that he paid the rent and deposit etc. and best proof is by bank statement which only works if he transfers the money to your account (which requires your bank details).
you're not giving him your PIN but only the general bank details to make a bank transfer possible. when i was a tenant, thats what i did, too. apart from the convenience and not caring large sums of money around with me to give to a landlord, i wanted the proof of receipt.
you're not giving him your PIN but only the general bank details to make a bank transfer possible. when i was a tenant, thats what i did, too. apart from the convenience and not caring large sums of money around with me to give to a landlord, i wanted the proof of receipt.
NovaFlare77
Registered User
- Messages
- 443
As a tenant, I would have thought it's standard practice to pay landlords by bank transfer/standing order. It's always how I've paid my rent. It's easier for the tenant because it can be done online (or a regular standing order can be set up) and it's easier for the landlord because it's straight into the account.
alaskaonline
Registered User
- Messages
- 489
Is it normal to invite a complete stranger to share your home?
This is not a tenant / landlord relationship - it's a rent-a-room arrangement so all the stuff about rent-books, etc above is irrelevant.
Lizard do not under any circumstances in writing or orally describe yourself as a "landlord" or describe your lodger as a "tenant", do not draw up a lease as PRTB / Threshold rules about notice etc. do not apply in this relationship.
The complete stranger sharing your home for an agreed amount of money is a lodger, you are the home-owner.
G
Guest128
Guest
As a "regular" tenant, I would expect to pay by standing order if I was renting a room from someone. Its easier and clearer than cash, no problems down the road. Sure you give bank details to complete strangers all the time - Sky, NTL, Bord Gais, ESB etc etc.
Z
z104
Guest
Standing order is the way to go. Any other way is a nightmare.
I always insist that a tennant pay by standing order but always take the deposit in cash.
I always insist that a tennant pay by standing order but always take the deposit in cash.
Z
z104
Guest
Is the rentbook a throw back to when people did not have current accounts and to a time when the rent was collected by the landlord each week?
Seems a bit outdated to me.
Thanks Mathepac, you're right, he's a lodger, and I'm the owner/occupier, and I have not drawn up any contract. It was suggested to me, but was wary about putting anything in writing. Anyway so far so good. I'm only seeing these posts now, as I do not remember most of the time where I've put thread starters!