Landlord feedback

chrisw128

Hi.  I have recently viewed a number of properties to rent, but my applications were unsuccessful.  On each occassion I emailed the agent to request feedback from the landlord as to what element of the application might have affected the decision to reject.  The reason being I could take this information into account on future applications and amend as necessary (if possible). The responses from the agents appeared to be those of opinion, rather than actual feedback from landlords.  It was even suggested the landlords' decisions where simply random choices - which would be a bizarre way of running a business!  Are estate agents legally obliged to contact landlords for feedback when requested?

propertyrental

No. You have no absolute right to feedback, and the agent is under no obligation (to you) to even ask the LL.

Do you even know who is making the decision? The LL or the agent? Some LLs delegate the decision to their agent, some make the decision themselves.

MultiFuelBurner

You are probably finding how tough it is to find a rental property these days. 

So many applicants sometimes it's first to the post and other times what seems right to the LL on paper.

Mr.Generous

Have a look at this thread, I left some feedback for prospective tenants, but also a general view of the current rentals market  -  FUBAR I believe is a suitable term.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80052784#Comment_80052784

SDLT_Geek

Mr.Generous said:

Have a look at this thread, I left some feedback for prospective tenants, but also a general view of the current rentals market  -  FUBAR I believe is a suitable term.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80052784#Comment_80052784

I had to look up FUBAR.  It is always good to learn a new technical term.  Yes, very apt tor the rentals market!

theartfullodger

Prudent landlords - if pushed - rarely go beyond "we went with a better applicant".

Difficulty is exposing LL to possible action under equality act.

Short story: I'm a confirmed militant atheist.  Had someone wanting to rent who was a pastor.  Was going to flatly refuse but 'er indoors admonished me, that that would unfair and wrong. (And I realised unlawful, religious discrimination).  So said yes.  Lovely people but best I don't go into print on some other aspects).

Some aspects of discrimination are of course legal.  Eg people hiring staff discriminate usually in favour of those with the right skills, track record etc etc)

gazfocus

As @MultiFuelBurner said, it’s more likely that it’s not a decline due to anything on your application, but more that so many people are applying, the landlord just has to choose one tenant out of multiple applicants, and if those applicants are all similar, yes it will just be a ‘pick at random’ exercise. 

In our area, depending on the house, there are around 20 people applying for the same property. 

_Penny_Dreadful

chrisw128 said:

Hi.  I have recently viewed a number of properties to rent, but my applications were unsuccessful.  On each occassion I emailed the agent to request feedback from the landlord as to what element of the application might have affected the decision to reject.  The reason being I could take this information into account on future applications and amend as necessary (if possible). The responses from the agents appeared to be those of opinion, rather than actual feedback from landlords.  It was even suggested the landlords' decisions where simply random choices - which would be a bizarre way of running a business!  Are estate agents legally obliged to contact landlords for feedback when requested?

No, a landlord is not legally obligated to provide feedback and I would advise against st a landlord doing it voluntarily in case the feedback is then later used to mount a discrimination case against them à la Acorn. 

A courtesy, “you have not been successful,” is all I give.