Your rights as a tenant

It is quite hard to find trustworthy agency in London and unfortunately quite common that agencies try to do things which are against tenants. It can be hard for those who are newly in London and are not so familiar with their rights.
Following article can help to understand better what your rights are:

• Your right to pay the same rent
• Your right to live in a safe house
• Your right not to be disturbed
• Your right to have your deposit protected
• Your right not to be harassed
• Your landlord's right to evict you

All explained in Your right as a tenant

Issues with deposit return

I read couple of times about agencies being reluctant to return deposit in a full amount or taking a long time to return it at all.

It's important to know that it is illegal for landlord to pocket your deposit. Once you pay your deposit, then it has to be put to "Tenancy deposit protection scheme".

Links below help to explain all possible issues with deposit:

http://www.thesite.org/housing/renting/deposits-for-renting-7963.html
https://www.gov.uk/deposit-protection-schemes-and-landlords/information-you-must-give-to-your-tenants

Landlord can also lie saying that your deposit is protected even if it is not! For this case there is online checker where you can check it yourself:

http://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/get-started/check-your-deposit

There are couple of cases, when landlord is in advantage and does not have to protect your deposit, mostly depending on type of renting (e.g. long term holiday letting). In such a case the only think which can help is to pay attention before putting signature on contract.

Follow the quiz under the link below to check if your deposit has to be protected:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/downloads_and_tools/tenancy_deposit_rights_checker#


Symptoms of being potential victim

List od commonly known scams that tenants have fallen victim to refers to blog where you can read common practices being used. Hope none of them fits yo your case.

http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/rental-scams-tenants-should-be-aware-of/