Hello,

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask. If not, where is please?

I am looking at renting a room in a shared house (in central Guildford) and have found a place that I am happy with. The advert I responded to (posted on GumTree last week) advertised the room in a shared house with 4 others included the following line:

"£450 all bills inclusive (Gas, Electricity, Water, TV, Council Tax)"

I saw the place last week and have said I am interested.The landlord has emailed me a covering letter and an "Assured shorthold tenancy agreement".

However, on reading, these do not match the advert or what was confirmed verbally.

- The price quoted in the covering letter has gone up to £460pcm.

- In the "Assured shorthold tennancy agreement", is a clause saying:

"Tenant's responsibilities during the tenancy ...
Pay for all gas, electricity, water Council Tax and telephone charges relating to the property that apply during the tenancy."

This to me (especially as its on the piece of paper I am to sign) is a big change to what advertised & verbally confirmed.



I am in the process of writing a (friendly worded) letter querying these points and asking for the contract to be amended, however at this stage I am very tempted to simply walk away given I have red warning lights flashing in my head. Just wondering What other peoples thoughts are on this - especially any other landlords reading this.

In addition, rather than taking a deposit, I am to pay a £120 "Administration Fee" (to cover credit checks etc).
Personally this is fine with me but I just wanted to check that given the recent new rules about landlords having to hold deposits in an approved secure manner, are there any knock-on effects a no-deposit situation may have in the future?


Many thanks in advance,
Fluffy.