Help needed with renting a property

I am at university and looking to rent a 4 bedroom house for next year with 3 mates. I have so far viewed the property and agreed that we can pay the deposit when required as discussed with my mates.

However, one of them has just thrown a spanner in the works and is going on holiday on Wednesday and I need to get this deal completed ASAP.

Is it legal to offer more money in terms of rent to try and secure the deal before others become interested? I am needing something to try and get this deal done ASAP so we have a place sorted before he goes away as when he comes back I will be back in the 'diff and out of Aberystwyth making it harder for viewings etc. until I get back at which point we all have loads of work to do and exams so far less time.

With this popping up we are willing to offer more money either as extra per rent or as an advance payment to secure the property if this is legal. Anyone know anything about this and have any past experiences with this?

I think you just need to make sure that you all sign the rental contract by Wednesday. You shouldn't have to offer more money.

Yes, that's right. Just explain to the landlord / agent what the situation is and ask what you can do to secure the property. All to sign before Wednesday would be ideal.

What you could also do is complete the lease with the three of you in the first and add the fourth by way of a letter of variation before he moves in. That route might cost you a little extra, depending on the agent, but again explore the options and costs before committing.

Send a PM to Cyncoedslumdog. He worked in this area

What a helpful board!

Sorry for replying late. I had lecture 9-10am so I posted before and then went to lecture and have come back to these replies. Cheers for taking the time to do so.

Basically, there are other people interested in renting the place as well but we are the first group to say yes we want it and to go ahead with it. Where this puts us in terms of the pecking order for it I don't know.

Going to email now and explain the situation to hopefully resolve the issue. Hopefully we get the place as its really nice.