Suddenly can't even get to rental referencing stage!!!

Vectis

It's not unheard of for LLs to ask for 6 months rent upfront from a tenant whom they consider to be slightly problematic. It wouldn't be amiss for a tenant who is struggling to get a LL to take him on to offer the same. So, you might consider that route if you have the resources (6 months rent in advance plus the deposit).

I think the problem, from what you say here, is the type of self employment work you do - mainly the fact that it's so spread around. It possibly makes you sound a bit less reliable when compared perhaps to someone who has spent the same length of time in a single, or a couple, of jobs. The tax return idea might solve that, assuming you are declaring ALL your earnings? If you were applying for a mortgage, would you be able to show all your earnings, and how would you go about doing that?

The other alternative is to go direct to the LLs, through private ads etc, rather than through an agent. That way you get the chance to talk to them directly.

nnb

Vectis wrote: »

It's not unheard of for LLs to ask for 6 months rent upfront from a tenant whom they consider to be slightly problematic. It wouldn't be amiss for a tenant who is struggling to get a LL to take him on to offer the same. So, you might consider that route if you have the resources (6 months rent in advance plus the deposit).

I think the problem, from what you say here, is the type of self employment work you do - mainly the fact that it's so spread around. It possibly makes you sound a bit less reliable when compared perhaps to someone who has spent the same length of time in a single, or a couple, of jobs. The tax return idea might solve that, assuming you are declaring ALL your earnings? If you were applying for a mortgage, would you be able to show all your earnings, and how would you go about doing that?

The other alternative is to go direct to the LLs, through private ads etc, rather than through an agent. That way you get the chance to talk to them directly.

As I said in my first post, I paid my full tenancy rent upfront for my current place and with every application I have made, I have stated I am more than happy to pay X months upfront to reassure everyone.

Arleen

nnb wrote: »

As I said in my first post, I paid my full tenancy rent upfront for my current place and with every application I have made, I have stated I am more than happy to pay X months upfront to reassure everyone.

Then I will be the one to finally ask - what do you do?

I am self-employed, with only a few years in the UK, but I didn't have that much trouble finding a place, without offering six months rent in advance. There must be something about you that raises an absolute red flag.

nnb

Arleen wrote: »

Then I will be the one to finally ask - what do you do?

I am self-employed, with only a few years in the UK, but I didn't have that much trouble finding a place, without offering six months rent in advance. There must be something about you that raises an absolute red flag.

I work in sales but for different clients on short term contracts hence agency work. I guess I am basically what most would call a "temp"

It is sales not retail, and I earn well above minimum wage. It is all made clear in my application.

Definitely nothing dodgy, I'm not a hooker or a drug dealer or something!!!!

I have NEVER EVER EVER had a problem getting to the referencing stage before. This is why I don't believe it is my work and am insanely confused!!!!!

SuboJvR

Is it possible you're just not getting in quick enough?

When we got our rental, I remember the LA saying they would discuss with the landlord and I had the impression we were being assessed so to speak.

I also know we were the first to view, and the second viewers also put an offer in. They're nice people too although they do have a cat so I'm not sure if the LL knew that at that point (they moved in next door, same agency, different LL)!

As we got in first, I assume that's why we got the place. It's also a 2 bed, they now have a 3, and since when we were moving the lady was heavily pregnant I wonder if the LL thought that might mean they wouldn't have enough room and be keen to move on after a certain time.

Something else I did was offer that we would commit to a 2 year fixed term. I thought that this may appeal as, unless a LL wants to sell, they want someone reliable in their house for a set time. We had a mutual break clause for 12 months as well though but it showed our intention to stick around.

Arleen

nnb wrote: »

I work in sales but for different clients on short term contracts hence agency work. I guess I am basically what most would call a "temp"

It is sales not retail, and I earn well above minimum wage. It is all made clear in my application.

Definitely nothing dodgy, I'm not a hooker or a drug dealer or something!!!!

I have NEVER EVER EVER had a problem getting to the referencing stage before. This is why I don't believe it is my work and am insanely confused!!!!!

Is that what you put on the application? Because... I still don't know what do you do, and when it's not clear to people what do you do, but you have money to fling around for six months rent - it's suspicious. I really wouldn't expect a "temp" to have this amount of money laying around.

Maybe there is a better way to put it, one that makes it clearer?

And why now, well, the market turned, and there are too many people per available house, so they get pickier than before. Also, I guess more landlords are also now aware how expensive a bad tenant could be, so are less willing to take a chance.

LEJC

Could it be something as simple as when you mention self employment and a small online business this is having an adverse reaction.

A LL can only be guided by what they are told by the LA when deciding whom to offer a tenancy to....however many LL's may have restrictions in their insurances that prevent or at least increase their premiums if they let to someone who is self employed.

SuboJvR

Could you not class yourself more as a "sales consultant" or something?

LEJC

Maybe it is just a case of demand for rental properties in your area is higher than supply.

The last property we rented out to tenants we had 3 prospective ones to choose from....
I don't think there are a hard and fast set of rules that can be followed by LL's to choose the ideal tenant for their property...but in our case we had to let 2 down as we simply couldn't let the property to all 3 who wanted it.
I've actually said that hindsight is always the best deciding factor......!!!!

I am aware that we have a clause in our tenancy agreements evolving around the running of a business from the premises and it also does impact the buildings insurance premiums so from that point of view if I were told you were self employed I may choose to discount you in favour of someone who wasnt....but again it depends what the LA tells me about the situation.

Have you thought about making yourself potentially more "tenant attractive" by suggesting a longer tenancy....round here most start at 6 months but if you were to offer the commitment of a 12 month one up front do you think that might make you more appealing than someone who was just initially wanting a 6 month agreement....

Just a thought....

PasturesNew

Are you a chugger?