Wonen, Buren
Particulier
I have a rental situation and I'd like to know if I'm being scammed or not. I visited a flat two weeks ago but I'm out of the country and cannot be back until January. I have to rent from next week so we arranged a friend to do the handover. The agent organizing the rental said they have to have the deposit on their account before they can hand over the keys. Since the transfer takes a few days I said alright I'll send the deposit just let's sign the contract first to which I got the following response:
"That becomes a problem, I cannot sign a contract for payment. We are a nvm real estate agency and will not risk our good name for 1495 euros. If you sign the contract and do not pay, you can still claim the property. This is therefore unfortunately not possible. I would like to hear if you are willing to transfer a month deposit next week"
Which I don't understand cause the contract states that if I don't pay by the deadline it's void. Is the message asking for the deposit sent from the agent's company email enough proof of intention and I can send the deposit safely even without signing or this is a scam? They are a registered company and I did see the apartment. Thank you in advance for your advice!
If you have doubts investigate more, like at the Kamer van Koophandel and the NVM register. Further it is true they say you have a contract also without the downpayement. On the other hand in the terms must be very clear about binding parties only when they sign contract. Because Dutch law does not demand signing op paper for rental contracts!
So in short when the compangnie is oke, and the terms demand deposit then signing , when not signing , what will happoen with the deposit ? Usually they will keep deposit when no show , becasuse of damage when you lack signing. So first deposit then signing, or no signing. You can loose deposite.