Sandm4n

Hi All,

In the next few weeks I'll be moving from the UK to Alicante, I've found a property on Idealista which I would like to rent.
In brief...the agent sent me a video (she went there especially to take the video) of the property which I like, after that the agent sent me a rental agreement for me to sign and send to her and asked me to transfer the agency fee+the property deposit to secure the property.
1. I'm not comftarble with transfering this kind of money to someone that I don't know but unfortunately I need to find and secure a property to rent before I arrive to Alicante, What is considered acceptable to do in this case (in Spain) ?
2. Does anyone know or had any experience with Weperty consulting SL agency in Alicante?

Thanks

missile

The property may not be as nice as it appears in photos & video. You may not like the neighbours / neighbourhood. I would go and visit before signing a contract.

Barriej

Do you know anyone in the area who you could trust to go and look for you?

Alternatively as you are moving over here, will you be using the services of a Gestor to do your paperwork?
If so maybe they could look at it for you.

As said so many times here, you should never trust any agent with the information they give you.
They are not on your side, 99.9% of them are just after the money.

Ive just looked at them and they only have 1 review on Google and its a 1 star. Be careful, very careful.

missile

This company was registered 03.09.2020, see here WEPERTY CONSULTING SL: Phone number, VAT number, and Address (infoempresa.com)

spainrico

I suggest you book an AirBnB to get you started - arrive here and then look - there are loads to rent at the moment and prices are down so it's a renters market - hence the agent sending you the vid pre Covid (when they were in short supply) this would not have happened.

I live in Alicante and my friend has been trying to rent her apartment for a few weeks and I know others so I know the market.

I do not know the agency so I cannot comment on them.

I assume you have the rights/visa to live here?

Sandm4n

Could you please attach a link for the review? I haven't found any review about them.

Thanks

Sandm4n

I had to wait a week for the video as the agent had to wait so it will be vacant from the previous tenants to take the video, that was on the 1st of May.

Sandm4n

The agent asked me to transfer the deposit to the agency bank account to secure the house and once I get to Alicante I'll setlle the agency fee and first month rent,how risky is that?
Is it common in Spain that agencies (registered agencies) scams renters in a way that they take the deposit and disappear?

Thanks

missile

My near neighbour ran a well respected EA for several years. Had the whole family working for him. Spent more than he earned. The company folded and he did a runner with several clients' deposits and owners' rental income. He started a new company in Malaga.

spainrico

Yes people have been scammed like this

This has been updated today

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-b...nt=immediately

Sandm4n

Thank you for the helpful link

VFR

Like so many who ask for advice when all they really want is conformation of their choice .................
The message from the members is clear, avoid !

dmu

Having read the Govt. link, I find this suspicious. As advised, walk away, rent an AirBnB for a couple of months, and search for a rental on the spot. In addition to the deposit issue, you can't possibly get a "feel" of the place from a video, nor have any idea of the neighbours' habits/barking dogs.....

Rotor

My advice is do not rent (pay anything) before you get there , theres hundreds a year who get ripped off doing what you are talking about , better to book a week to 10 days in a hotel and have a look around and find an established estate agent .

Rotor

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-n...on%20documents.

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-n...-costa-blanca/