Looking for advice with renting case

[yet_another_guy]

Hi everybody,

 

Recently I have faced quite a troublesome situation and looking for advice.

 

I'm waiting for visa in UK and naturally, started to look for an accommodation beforehand. I have found reasonably good offer on one of the websites (from the private person). She gave me her phone number and friend of mine, who lives in London, called her and came to check the room.

Then we have negotiated contract terms and starting date of the lease. Then she asked me to pay "holding fee" of $180. I have agreed with it and payed via PayPal. Recently she asked me to pay another ~$420 and later wrote that she is starting to look for somebody else to rent the room. Also, she wrote: "I reserve the right to take this to court".

I feel really uncomfortable because of this, but I haven't signed the contract with her and have never issued the standing order to her bank account as it should by done by the contract draft. During negotiation of the terms I have sent only .pdf with my name in it, but with sign field left blank. I should also notice that I have never received a signed contract from her in any form (electronic or physical).

 

I would really appreciate an advice what should I do in this situation.

 

 

Kindest regards.

Edited May 10, 2014 by yet_another_guy

[rebel11]

Hi Yet

 

Welcome to CAG

 

The guys will advice as soon as they are available.

 

Thread moved to correct forum.

[steampowered]

We need to get to the bottom of whether you agreed to a legally binding contract. To have a contract there does need to be a clear acceptance of the contract terms, but there does not have to be a signature. Payment of a deposit would be pretty good evidence that you accepted the lease.

 

Is the extra $420 mentioned in the lease at all?