Renting EA not contacting me issue

Peco141

I've seen an apartment in my local area that would suit for a short to mid term 6 to 9 month lease.

The flat itself has been on the market to rent for about 1 month. We viewed it last week and are quite keen however we wouldn't be able to move until Friday 4th May as I'm waiting for the sale of my house to be completed.

The EA suggested that the flat could be reserved for £100 + VAT and they would keep it for 3 weeks.

The flat however needs a fresh coat of paint and a new carpet in one of the bedrooms, it's a bit grotty looking at the moment.

I called the EA to ask if these problems are likely to be addressed, I also suggested that I could give the flat a fresh coat of paint myself keeping it white (neutral) if the landlord was happy with that. The EA said she would contact the landlord to find out if these were possibilites, she also suggested the option of proposing the flat is left as it is and the monthly rental is reduced to balance things up. I said I'd be happy to consider this option.

I've contacted the EA five times who has informed me that she cannot get in contact with the landlord to get an answer to my questions.

It's now came to a stalemate in that every time I call, I'm told the EA that was dealing with my query is unavailable or on the phone or will call me back.. Today I called to find out she was on the phone, I was asked if I'd like to hold which I did. Two minutes later I'm told she would call me back. Still waiting on that phonecall being returned from my call 3 hours ago.

Is the EA fobbing me off because we're not ready to move in until early next month. Is this the way EA operates?

Or am I being paranoid and they just can't get a hold of the landlord or they are too busy???

moromir

I guess it depends exactly what the agent said to you in the first place, did she say "I'll contact you once I've heard from the landlord" in which case I can see her being frustrated with you calling her daily "for an update" when shes already said she'll let you know when she knows?

jjlandlord

Peco141 wrote: »

The EA suggested that the flat could be reserved for £100 + VAT and they would keep it for 3 weeks.

what is this? A fee, or a deposit?
If it's a fee, what for?
Either way there should be no VAT attached. (a fee would go to the landlord)

I'd run from that agent...

BitterAndTwisted

I'm surprised that a mere £100 or so would reserve a decent flat for up to three weeks. Offer to pay the rent in full and take the flat right away if you want it. I suspect the agent is desperately fishing around trying to find much less picky tenants who would be prepared take it immediately as is. Or, of course, they could be telling the truth (shock! horror!) and be waiting for the landlord to confirm that they will pick up the expense for the changes you are asking for.

ognum

If the flat has only been available a short time then the agent is probably getting more viewings and hoping to find a tenant quicker.

Sometimes if you want something you have to sign up for it and have a bit of an overlap. By the time all the referencing and credit checks are done it will be two weeks anyway.

My best thoughts are that maybe they have someone else interested but are keeping you hanging on!

princeofpounds

Most likely, they can't be bothered to put the question to the landlord. They get paid for sticking someone in the property and that's all they care about. Probably they are hoping that you'll just take it anyway (unless they get a better offer more quickly) and then bother the landlord yourself after moving in.

pmlindyloo

Have you paid the holding deposit? (sorry, not clear from your post)

Peco141

moromir wrote: »

I guess it depends exactly what the agent said to you in the first place, did she say "I'll contact you once I've heard from the landlord" in which case I can see her being frustrated with you calling her daily "for an update" when shes already said she'll let you know when she knows?

She says she'll try to get in contact with the Landlord then will contact me. However days pass and no contact, then I call and get no feedback. If it was as simple as her being unable to get feedback from the Landlord then surely she would take my calls and keep me up to date.

Peco141

jjlandlord wrote: »

what is this? A fee, or a deposit?
If it's a fee, what for?
Either way there should be no VAT attached. (a fee would go to the landlord)

I'd run from that agent...

Just a reservation fee. They will reserve for no more than 3 weeks. The deposit is £650 and payable on date of entry.

Peco141

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Have you paid the holding deposit? (sorry, not clear from your post)

Not yet, We're waiting for the response from the landlord via EA.

Peco141

ognum wrote: »

If the flat has only been available a short time then the agent is probably getting more viewings and hoping to find a tenant quicker.

Sometimes if you want something you have to sign up for it and have a bit of an overlap. By the time all the referencing and credit checks are done it will be two weeks anyway.

My best thoughts are that maybe they have someone else interested but are keeping you hanging on!

This is what I was thinking, I just wondered if it was normal EA process. I'd didnt want to put anything down in terms of reserving until I knew it would get freshened up. We have a baby on the way and I would just like things to be clean.

The flat it perfect other than that however, it's perfectly located and is unfurnished which we need and in our price range.