Prospective Tenants not happy for visit – Should this ring alarm bells?

Prospective Tenants not happy for visit – Should this ring alarm bells?

10:33 AM, 24th July 2014, About 10 years ago 32

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We have a nice big modern rental property and from taking on board a thread on here I asked my agent to ask my new prospective tenants if I could visit them in their home.

My agent was absolutely shocked and said this had never happened before but would ask the ‘tenant’. She got back to my saying they had refused as they think it’s intrusive.

This property is the best available in the area and we’ve already turned two people down as their credit wasn’t great.

We now need to let this asap but would the above information set alarm bells with any of you?

Many thanks

GillianHome


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Comments

philip allen

10:44 AM, 26th July 2014, About 10 years ago

To Romain,
I would welcome them with open arms and show them around my home, then make them a cup of tea and explain to them that this is how I would expect them to look after my rented property.
Absolutely INSIST on viewing their current home or DON'T even entertain the idea of letting them rent yours.

13:56 PM, 26th July 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Neil Woodhead" at "24/07/2014 - 11:33":

The property is in fantastic condition but as it's the most expensive in the area I think people who can't really afford it are attracted to it.

13:58 PM, 26th July 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Romain " at "24/07/2014 - 11:48":

It doesn't matter to them at all if I live like a pig (which I don't). It matters to me as it's an indicator of how I might treat my property.

14:05 PM, 26th July 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Chris Sheldon" at "25/07/2014 - 10:25":

My agents comment to all of this is that they always get a previous landlords reference - which is why 2 previous prospective tenants didn't get through so they would detail any major problems with in the house.

Because I was slow to tell the agent I want to do a home visit I've now said that when my next properties come onto the market all prospective tenants must be told initially that I will do this before considering them.

Neil Robb

20:29 PM, 26th July 2014, About 10 years ago

Hi

If you have an expensive property in a good area you want to know that it is let to the correct person.

You might need to let your property but you are better with it sitting empty than the wrong person moving in. It will cost a lot more if the wrong tenant moves in and either wrecks the place or does not pay rent.

One of the best advice I got on Property 118 came from Mark Alexander. He wrote where possible meet the tenant at there current address that way you how they live and look after there current property.

I try and do this in most circumstances. Two of my properties are with letting agent the rest I look after.

Guess which ones give me the most problems. The last one the agent said the girl would be great four month later she left steal my furniture still trying to get the police to act on this even though she move across the street.

The tenant will want a good house it is like buses none come along then 3 at once.

frj765

8:11 AM, 28th July 2014, About 10 years ago

Please, please, please - stick to your guns and insist on a visit for all of the reasons already posted.

I am coming to the end of a lengthy and emotional eviction having accepted tenants who passed all the checks, gave ID, paid up front etc, etc, etc - what I did not do was visit them where they currently lived and chased up the second character reference - (and of course listened to my wife - who knew all along they were trouble).

It would have also been useful to take a video inventory and conditions recording as I know I will have another fight on my hands with regards to the deposit.

A rent void is cheaper than no rent + legal fees + damage/repairs to your property.

Check with other agents to see what they think - does your agent expect to be paid even if you are not?

In Summary - trust your instinct. If it does not feel right - it is probably right!

Kevin Biggins

18:44 PM, 29th July 2014, About 10 years ago

It is always good practice to visit prospective tenants to see how they keep their current home. I often do this when I have paperwork to follow up on and to drop in a house moving gift to welcome them to my house. I have never regretted a visit as I am usually just passing anyway. Credit checks and references from the landlord are valuable as well.

It does ring alarm bells.

10:26 AM, 31st July 2014, About 10 years ago

Ah, hello Gillian - we meet again in a new place!

As regards previous landlord references, try to get one from the landlord before the current one - if the tenant is trouble they will not be inclined to lie to you so they can get rid of them!

11:15 AM, 31st July 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Jerry Jones" at "31/07/2014 - 10:26":

Yes that occurred to me Jerry. But on this occasion it's probably too late but will instigate this in the future.

Hugh Jass

15:49 PM, 11th August 2014, About 10 years ago

You need to let asap? Rushing tenants in can be one of the biggest mistakes landlords make.... They wont let you visit them at their present home? They obviously have something to hide. The only thing you need to do asap, is run from them.

If you want to evaluate a tenant, the best way is to see how they keep their current home. Shame on your agent to say you're wrong in asking for that...Get your self another agent !

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