What to look out for before signing tenancy with landlord, without agent?

Hi,


We've given out an offer to rent a place. And we're negotiating directly with the landlord, not through agents.


Just wondering if any of you out there have done it before, and if there are special things to look out for. I have asked to have photocopies of the landlord's ID, the purchase agreement of the flat. Well, we have not given out a month's rent to "secure" the unit, as how most apartments rented through an agent would require.


How would stamp duty be done? Do both tenant and landlord go together?


Does anyone have horror stories about security deposit retained? Would imagine it would be horrid to have a missing landlord when lease is up. Am thinking of asking for a clause for the deposit to be retained upon handover of keys, but think landlord will flip.


Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks... =)

renting without agent would be the same as through an agent. the only different is you do not need to pay commission to the agent so money saved.


stamp duty, as a tenant, you do not pay stamp duty! landlord pays.


And you should sign an agreement with the landlord with all the conditions and terms. just like the agreement done by the agent. And get a witness to sign as well.

You also should check whether the property is mortgaged as you need to specify a clause in the lease to protect you in case it gets sold or repossessed during your tenancy, as the mortgagor has a prior interest to your tenancy.