DhakaBoy

I have found a short term accommodation in Sydney on Gumtree. The guy is renting out his apartment for 4 weeks while he will be traveling. However, he asked me to pay the full rent in advance and an equal amount as bond to his bank account. He sounds like a decent person over phone.

The idea of securing a place before arrival is tempting.... just wanted to know if anyone has a similar experience?

Sherlock Holmes

Very difficult to answer this one. Could work well for you BUT it might not.

I'd err on the side of caution. I stand to be corrected though.

JAJ

Your bargaining power is almost zero once you have given away the money. What if you see the apartment and don't like it? Or what if he disappears with the money, goes bankrupt, etc? Is there a legal agreement? And so on.

Pollyana

Might be worth a read of this thread
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724646

Your guy MIGHT be genuine, but..........

Bermudashorts

I wouldn't even think about it.

If you want to have somewhere secure up front fork out for a serviced apartment off a professional organisation.

canadaeh

No way would I do this, there are so many scams in Australia (mostly targeting international students). They ask for the money and rent direct to their account and when the person arrives the place doesn't exist or isn't even for rent.

If the guy is genuine I don't see why he can't be given the cash when he gives you the keys.

steen1976

Certainly not something I would chance. As above book a serviced apartment or room in a hostel etc even if it's only for a week. You could then get something like that for a few more weeks before getting something longer term - they come up all the time. But at least you will be able to see the place is genuine.

paddyo

Nope..nope and nope!!!
Whatever reason he gives ignore it, either cash on keys, IN the apartment so you know it actually exists, or walk away. NEVER give money upfront via a bank payment to a singular unknown entity.

Kooky.

Noooo, don't do it.

Rudi

Not through Gumtree I wouldn't!!!!

It's normal to pay upfront for short term rentals, but book through something like Takeabreak or Stayz - at least that way you know that checks have been done on owners.

Love

Rudi
x

moneypenny20

Well I wouldn't.

DeadVim

Wire the cash to me and I'll check the guy out for you.

JoeBloggs80

I've had some great short term rentals for family/friends through gumtree, but have always met the person and handed over the cash when I got the keys.

Maybe offer 100 as a holding deposit, but there's no reason why you should hand over the whole lot before you get there.

HelenTD

Don't do it:
http://www.housemates.com.au/article...sp?articleID=3
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/201...htm?site=perth
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consum...mmodation.html.

B1K3R

It's very risky through gumtree mate. Lots of scammers there.

Having said that, I did secure a rental from abroad, paid 2 weeks rent in advance plus bond BUT...I sent my cousin to check it out. It was not through gumtree but through a landlord in a secure complex.

So, if you can find something who can check it out for you, yes do it, otherwise you'll be risking.

Cheers
B!K3R