Renting a house in Scotland

theartfullodger

tenantincommon wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the info. The problem is I'm 350 miles away and can't get up to view a house immediately so have said to agents I would accept it on the basis of the internet description and pay a deposit to secure it. ............

That's probably your problem: They may well be assuming something funny is planned (brothel, cannabis farm...).

I was advertising a house for rent in the highlands: Someone 'phoned me up & offered the price, sight-unseen, and 6-months rent upfront. There was no way I was going to take that. I don't let my properties to people I haven't seen, and even when I've agreed I want copies of stuff (driving licence, bank statements etc etc...). Tenants of course don't have to agree, which is fine by me (but no deal...

With respect I can quite understand any agent or landlord being v v cautious. You need to go up, see all the agents where you want to live, calm, smart & polite, explain the situation face2face and they might move a bit...

Hope it works out, best of luck:

PS You're not looking near Ben Nevis are you?

xylophone

Why not take your holiday in the area you fancy and do your searching then?

glasgowdan

What area are you looking in? It must be one of the many desirable areas that have mad competition for homes, whether to rent or buy.

Pixie5740

You're moving 350 miles away. It's madness to pick a rental property you've never seen in an area you don't know. Whenever I've moved to a different part of the country I've booked myself into a B&B or hotel for the first two weeks and arranged then arranged viewings once I'm there. It's even easier now with Air BnB.

The last place I rented in Aberdeen had lots of tenants vying for the same property. Demand >> Supply which also seems to be the case where you are to rent. There was an open house and we all filled in the application and referencing forms right there and then. I offered an extra £25 pcm and BINGO I was the chosen one.

Bvv

Have had the same experience with a couple of letting agents in Scotland. The last few properties I have lived in I have all rented from the landlord directly (through Gumtree, or Citylets). In my experience the process with private landlords is much better: they either choose the first person who views the place or the person they like best. Once an agreement is reached in principle they'll conduct various checks (or not) before finalising the tenancy agreement. I doubt you'll find many (reputable) private landlords willing to let out their flat without having met you though...