New landlord question, need help re tenants?

thegirlintheattic

ruggedtoast wrote: »

As someone who has been on the other side of the fence i would query why you have opened the property for viewings if you're just going to muck people around who want to rent it.

No it is not normal to visit people in their home or ask for refs two landlords ago.

Second this, last time we had to move, OH had just got a new job which started in less than two weeks. Looked at a house we wanted to rent, and the landlord gave us such a runaround we eventually went with a different property. First landlord missed out as we had cash up-front, have improved the current property and have so far been in over a year with no problems.

BitterAndTwisted

The OP had four prospective tenants view the property and two who said they wanted it ON THE FIRST DAY. They are obviously in a position to be as picky and/or as vigilant as they like.

I'd want to see the credit-checks and references from their current and previous landlords. I'd also want to see documentary evidence that this family can easily afford the rent.

may_fair

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

First landlord missed out as we had cash up-front, have improved the current property and have so far been in over a year with no problems.

I trust you obtained your LL's consent to make these 'improvements'.

thegirlintheattic

may_fair wrote: »

I trust you obtained your LL's consent to make these 'improvements'.

Yes and in writing, in fact they were quite happy for us to do so, especially as the house is up for sale and it's saved them £££s not having to do these things before sale. Only little things mind you, I'm not talking major refurbishment.

An example would getting a sky dish put up and the connection points installed inside, this is a must in an area without good TV signal or cable. Another is fixing a broken gate.

Sandie11

Thank you for all advice, I may be doing wrong but have told the agent I want to select from a few tenants k (I am obviously assuming others will view it), yes this first tenant may find other property but that is the risk I have to take.
I want to be a good fair landlord and some may feel this is wrong to do this, but I cannot see them staying here long term as a tight squeeze.

talulahbeige_2

ruggedtoast wrote: »

The only thing that would make this process even worse than it already is would be to be told the landlady couldnt make up her mind for some reason and might want to visit me in my home to nose around my belongings
What on earth is that about? Never ever heard of that happening.

I completely disagree, I woudl welcome a potentail landlord into my current house (Although i would have the letters I have written to my current LL about faults to hand so they knew they werent my fault)

We're currently looking for a " high quality" house to move to in the long term, however as we have a cat we are more often that not eliminated from their "potential tennant" list. My cat sits on a bean bag all day and only gets up to go for a wander outside or to eat. LL's seem to have the opinion that she will climb the walls and scratch all their carpets / walls. She is 14!

If they came round and saw her then it may change their minds.

FYI we both work for national companies, have high up jobs and more job security than many do at the moment. No children either

Gigglepig

I don't think it is practicable to have a prospective LL visit in my home, but when ending a tenancy in the past I obtained a brief written reference i.e. "NN rented from x till y and has been a good payer and always paid rent on time" , just in case the next LL would require a reference. I don't think anyone asked but I thought it would be a good idea to have written references at hand (since I was moving far away I could not provide anyone local).

Gigglepig

may_fair wrote: »

They are at least old enough not to scribble on the walls etc, but you will get more wear and tear with a family (or with young men/students) than, say, a childless couple or two young professionals. However, as has already been pointed out, families are more likely to stay long term, which is preferable to frequent changeovers/voids.

What's far more important is relability and ability to pay the rent.

I think it is very personal who makes a good tenant. I have not let to a family but we did let an "executive standard" flat out in the past, and it was trashed by a single male professional. Clearly he made good money and had a safe job, the agency did credit checks etc... but he did not keep the apartment clean and damaged the interiors. :eek: