[newbie-hk]

hi all, we're about to confirm renting an apartment near the olympic station. the agent has asked us to pay him a deposit of one month rental with cheque. is this common? the problem I have is that the unit itself will only be handed to us by month-end.

while we will be signing a lease contract, I'm just a notch uncomfortable with writing cheque for the agent in advance of actually getting the keys/moving in.

any adivce would be much appreciated. thanks!

[xxxlionxxx]

Deposit is almost the rule, but the payment method varies.
In doubt, free feel to ask your agent questions. You're the client, so exercise your rights. And when you pay, that should be the same time you sign the contract and have a copy given to you. It's certainly not smart to pay before having anything secured. If they really want to seal a deal, why would they do anything to make you feel uncomfy?

I don't really buy those "pay first and then we will call you later" kind of craps.

And you asked if this is common. I can only say, protect your own interest given that's not infringing any laws......or sometimes even it is.

[wtbhotia]

if you have discussed with the owner and the agent and have agreed to all the requirements and are confirmed in renting the place, the agent will ask for a deposit first, usually 1 month rent. you only pay that if you are 100% sure that is the place that u want and everything is agreed to. If your still not sure then do pay anything.

every time i have rented a place, its always been cash deposit.

[Claire ex-ax]

Have you/the owner signed a provisional tenancy agreement?

[emmie]

I'm a novice in these issues, but following wtbhotia's pointers, here's my experience from a village house landlord's point of view (i.e. acting on behalf of one bro'):

- Prospective "interested" tenant, (landlord's) estate agent and landlord/rep discuss (perhaps, negotiate) at the apartment in question, or elsewhere soon after 1st or 2nd viewing

- Further ironing out or "clarifications" (where needed) of tenancy terms and conditions - usually discussed by phone through agent mediator

- Agent prepares a standard tenancy agreement, with any additional clauses/conditions inserted as requested by landlord &/or tenant, as mutually agreed - checks tenants OK with wording, etc

- With all present, finalised tenancy agreement is signed, with IDs in print on contract checked against real ones (with third-party witnesses there in our case)

- Immediately following that, tenant pays a TWO-month deposit AND also 50% of one month's rent amount to agent as commission (who then provides him/her a receipt, on the spot). And landlord/rep pays agent the other 50% for the service (ditto, receipt)

BTW, the actual "start date" stated in the lease and the physical "moving in" date may not be the same; it depends on your negotiations with the landlord as to when s/he's willing to hand over the keys to allow you some "headstart" time - as a "good will" gesture.

Don't quote me - every case varies a bit!

Just sharing the little that I know as a "newbie" in these matters. Sure that others will add other stuff I've left out

[Edit: Oh, one more thing... tenant's employment details and records (incl. Visa) should also be verified well ahead of signing... or so I found out to my dismay laters... BUT not relevant to you!]