Yes, a tradesperson can ask for a deposit before starting work, but Citizens Advice says paying everything up front is always inadvisable.
What Citizens Advice says about paying up front
Whatever you pay, ask for a receipt for the deposit and for any materials it covers.
Before you agree a deposit, compare written quotes from local tradespeople in London or from trade services listed on GetBrent, so you have a price to measure the request against.
Red flags to watch for
- Cash only.
- Everything up front. Citizens Advice says paying everything up front is always inadvisable.
- No written terms. Having terms in writing means you can check what you agreed and prove it if there is a dispute later.
How to pay a deposit safely
Use this checklist before any money changes hands:
- Agree a written contract that covers how and when you will pay, and the points in the work when each payment is due.
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