Concerned about offering tenancy to someone so young?

Concerned about offering tenancy to someone so young?

15:54 PM, 17th May 2021, About 3 years ago 28

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I have had an application from a very young lady (only just 18, but she is due a baby within the month) for a two-bed flat with her partner. While she has the Rent In Advance & Deposit, I am wary that if the partner leaves her, she won’t be able to afford the rent on her own as she would only then be entitled to a one-bed, and she can’t make up the difference on her own.

I am assuming each of them needs to provide a separate guarantor on this possible joint tenancy? (as either one could essentially leave the other)

I am generally a bit concerned about offering any tenancy to someone so young. Has anyone been in the same position? Advice??

DSR


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Comments

Richie

22:06 PM, 19th May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 18/05/2021 - 12:36
To your comment the reply from Robert Mellors
Yes of course its difficult for her to a council or a trust place the list is very long. But having experienced to same with a young girl, where we though we were being helpful. It was just a case of her ticking all the right boxes to get our flat and then after a few months, stop paying the rent and sit back and wait to be re-housed. So after many letters with the council and an eviction process its was: Hey, I've a nice new council flat, nicely decorated, some furniture and a steady FREE income and "spin on that" attitude.
All we were was just a road to quick and free accommodation. And left with F all for our trouble. Guarantor or no guarantor, no way.

Prakash Tanna

7:24 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

I don't think it is fair to judge somebody based on their age or circumstances like 'What if the partner leaves her' not do I thin that is legal in today's society. As pointed out above by others her LHA bedroom entitlement is based on how many children she has and not whether she has a partner living with her or not.

Personally, I would not chose to NOT LET OUT to somebody who is 18 years old. In law, they are an adult and should be treated like one.

Anybody at any age can separate from a partner, lose their job or end up having financial difficulties.

As a landlord, as see my role as not let somebody who lets out property for profit but somebody who gives people the opportunity to start to have a place they can call home and build on their future.

I should imo judge the prospective tenant on an individual case by case merit. No doubt somebody somewhere has had a wonderful experience whilst somebody elsewhere has had a horrible experience with an 18 yr old and a 81 yr old. So what ?

Prakash Tanna

8:40 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 22/05/2021 - 08:30
You have clearly misinterpreted what I said or chosen for whatever reason to infer the wrong conclusion. I have been a landlord now nearly 20yrs with a substantial portfolio and never had a major problem with my model.

It is wrong to discriminate against somebody's age or 'What if' the partner leaves.

Martin S

10:14 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

The fact that you are writing here to ask for the view of others indicates that you have a high degree of doubt about the situation, and rightly so. I've been a landlord for 30+ years, and have come across most scenarios. Would I advise you to get involved here? Simply, NO, for the same reasons others have expressed. I came to realise many years ago, that taking on those under 25 is a high risk game. As most 25 year old agree, there is a lot of growing up to be done between the ages of 18 & 25.

Paul Shears

10:46 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin S at 22/05/2021 - 10:14
Sadly, I must totally agree with you, from my own painful experience.

Badger

11:05 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Paul Shears at 22/05/2021 - 10:46
And another '+1' to that here as well.

Every time that I have let in similar circumstances I have come to regret it.

Last time I made this mistake they left owing over three months in rent having trashed the property.

I am determined not to make the same mistake again.

Landlord Phil

11:24 AM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

My wife jokes about my younger tenants, saying you're not their dad. But she has a valid point that I've taken on board when selecting tenants. Older ones have shown "son" behavioural patterns too. Your choice though.

Dylan Morris

14:09 PM, 22nd May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Prakash Tanna at 22/05/2021 - 08:40It’s not “discrimination” it’s what used to be called making a choice.

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