Gazumping on a rented property?

climbgirl

Ruby1878 wrote: »

we just sort of picked that figure out of our head I suppose

A little tip for next time - do your sums before you start looking so you know exactly how much you can afford and what your maximum is. You're in a much stronger negotiating position if you know your numbers rather than just plucking a number out of thin air!

gwernybwch

I feel for you - something very similar happened to me once – I had my offer accepted on a flat tenancy and completed the application form and submitted my cheque for the reference checks to be done and then went on a fortnights holiday. On the day that I returned from holiday the Estate Agent called me and said that someone else had offered more rent and therefore the Landlord had decided to go with the other potential tenant. They did ask me if I wanted to increase my offer of rent, but I declined as I suspected that they were ‘playing me’ and on the principle of it – this was an area of country where giving someone your word, still means something.

I got my cheque back, but at the time I was really annoyed as I had to start my flat hunting all over again.
I’ve relayed this to others since and I was told that I could have reported the Estate Agent to their Professional Association (ARLA etc) for the unprofessional practice – not sure if this is true or if I did report them anything would have actually happened.

Ultimately, you have an happy ending - you've found somewhere to live that you like, which is affordable to yourselves.