Is Flatland.co.uk a legit site?

Question

I'm trying to find a cheap yet trustable landlord agency in London for zones 1 and 2. I've found some reasonable priced flats on flatland.co.uk but they're asking me to pay a fee first before I can view flats.

Is this site a fraud/scam? Is it trustable? If it isn't trustable, does anyone know a trusted London private landlord / agency which offers flats at a reasonable price?

Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I would never pay a fee upfront, a legitimate estate agent only charges a fee once you have seen the place and they need to do a credit check. In fact it's illegal for any agency to charge upfront fees.
Here's a few discussions about them
http://forums.gumtree.com/topic16533.htm…
http://forums.gumtree.com/topic28787.htm…
http://forums.gumtree.com/topic195499.ht…
Granted these are all a few years old but if it's the same company I can't see that things may have changed much

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, was exactly what i was looking for :)

Answer 2

Best to do this in person. No reputable letting agency charges a fee. You will obviously have to pay a deposit once you have chosen a property.
You will find Zones 1 and 2 very expensive - unless you are an executive or similar.
Even Zone 3 (Wood Green) seems pricey.
I have a quite ordinary ground floor studio in Zone 3 and the rent is £170 per week