LLs - How would you proceed choosing tenant?

Beckyy

Tenant 1 comes to view property after basic vetting. Is very keen, but says partner wants to view it when home from working away before applying. Explain that's fine, but have had lots of interest so T1 sends applicaton form, says partner will send theirs over the weekend between work. Start T1's reference checks, they are in temp council accomodation, previous rental is up for sale. Wasn't overly open about it all. Been in current job one month, said would struggle to afford original deposit, however agreed on slightly lower one (hm?). Has lived at 3 addresses over 3 years not including current temp address. Haven't recieved partners forms as yet.

T2 viewed today. Absoutely great, needs long term rental as bought a house with elderly parent for them to live in. Very respectful of house, good job and has had current LL for 3 years with genuine reason for wanting to move. Needs to give 1, maybe 2 months, notice but would pay holding deposit. Is aware of T1's application pending references, said they would get their application form back to me ready to apply if T1 wasn't satisfactory.

T2 is more favourable at the moment, however I've already started running T1's checks and they won't be back til mid next week. I would also have to pay to run partners checks which would take 2 more working days, and haven't taken a deposit from them yet. T2 seems the safe option, however I don't want to be unfair on T1.

How would you proceed?

Annisele

Temporary council accommodation does suggest there might be some credit issues in the background. Why did you agree to a lower deposit amount? You're really not sounding keen on T1; you don't have to let to them!

Have you taken any money from T1 yet? If not, then I don't think you have any obligation to T1 (but it would be polite to tell them if you're not interested in letting to them anymore).

If you have taken money from T1, then (unless you decide to accept them) you should refund all of it.

T2 doesn't sound overly great either, if they're going to be giving you a two month void period.

Are you in an area where it's easy to get other tenants? If you are, then you might want to hold out for T3, T4 or even T10.

sandsni

Make sure you follow up the references from at least 2 of the previous 3 LLs for T1. Is the previous rental really up for sale or did the LL just want them out? The one before might be more honest about why the T left (ie was it the T's choice or the LL's?). Did they get their full deposit back at the end of tenancy and if not, why not? Alternatively there might be genuine reasons why they have been in 3 places in 3 years (following temporary work or whatever). But if you're not happy with the results of your referencing you're not under any obligation to accept any prospective tenant. You can always refund any referencing fee you took if you decide not to go with them. If you're paying for the referencing yourself then look on it as an investment in making sure you get suitable tenants. AFAIK it comes under tax-deductable expenses (but someone might correct me on that).

molly22

Beckyy wrote: »

however I don't want to be unfair on T1.

unfair doesnt come into it!

youre running a business!

no tenant is 'great' until they have moved out and all is satifactory.

:beer:

G_M

Beckyy wrote: »

... Haven't recieved partners forms as yet.

Never mind that. You haven't even met partner yet.....

One can only go by what you've posted but you have 3 options:

1) Let to tenant 2 (assuming refs/credit checkout) and accept avoid
2) Let to tenant 2 (assuming refs/credit checkout) but negotiate terms for the void (ie start the tenancy before their notice is up so only one month void not two)
3) keep advertising and let to tenant 3, or tenant 2 in due course if no tenant 3 appears

Beckyy

Thank you for the replies.

I don't dislike T1, they were very pleasant just haven't been totally transparent. I only found out it was up for sale through rightmove myself - they said they decided not to renew their lease so are staying in temp accomodation until they find somewhere new. However, TenantVerify asks for current LL details only for LL reference, so they have put local authority.

I'm sure T2 would come to a negotiation on the void. To be honest, I would be happy enough to suck it up for a good tenant as the house isn't currently mortgaged so although there would be loss of rent, no huge expenses.

There has been good interest, I've turned away a few after basic vetting, had one other viewing, and have another potential enquiry at the moment although may be more short term.

theartfullodger

You should discriminate in favour of tenants likely to pay on time & look after your investment & not cause complaints from neighbours.

T2.

Ask to see evidence of why T1 left previous place - eg s21 or court possession order. Ask to see letter from council offerring temporary accommodation: £5 says it will be whilst the appeal against rejection when applying as homeless case is investigated. If still unsure go and talk to previous landlord.