Ownersip of Flat Let/Credibility of landlord

[CAMRAMan]

There may well be no no need or reason for this information, but better safe than sorry...
I have found a very nice flat in a good part of Coventry (yes, there are some!). It's a private let without an agent involved. Now, that means no agency fees, which is good, but the rent is very reasonable - almost too good to be true.

With that in mind, apart from a check on the Land Registry, how can I check whether it's a kosher deal and not a potential deposit/rental rip off?

[Jaded]

Google his/her name, establish it is the proper landlord and find a different way of contacting than the one you have been given. e.g. if you have an email, contact via LinkedIn or similar.

[CAMRAMan]

It's a Gumtree ad & s/he has no Gumtree history. I only have a first name at this stage. Senses tingling at this stage...

[tiermat]

I would ask to have a chat with the current tenant.

Most landlords or even agencies with facilitate that, as a anti-fraud check as much as anything.

There is a known scam going around which sounds really really similar to what you are describing.

https://homelet.co.uk/tenants/blog/article/rental-property-scams%E2%80%93how-to-avoid-them

[Ben T]

Check they do actually own it i.e. aren't subletting

[simonp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWIwlfo9_OM