Renting in UK on Asylum

Renting in UK on Asylum

17:31 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago 18

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I have just received this message from my letting agents and would be interested in members opinions. Renting in UK on Asylum

“Hi Ray

I Have a problem with the new tenant.He is a student and in the UK on asylum so he doesn’t have a valid visa.He has a court appearance in september to decide whether he can stay in the UK.He confirms he has a UK guarantor [ relative ] and has a new course starting at Sussex Uni in September.I have spoken to our legal department and they wanted me to advise you of the above,Apologies for the lateness of my Email but i have chasing him for documents and this has just come to light. Let me know what you think “.

Thanks

Ray

 


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

17:32 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi Ray

Unlike most landlords I probably wouldn't walk away from this .... I'd run!

I'd also be looking for another letting agent on the grounds that's he not already advising you.
.

Jay James

18:27 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

One or two questions come to mind, but don't get bogged down with them.

The fact that some of this does not add up is more than reason enough to do just as Mark said.

How fast can you run?

Rob Crawford

20:09 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Seems to me that the agent has realised that they have made a mistake and they have informed you in an attempt clear their conscience / responsibility. As others have stated, the agent is not advising you of a way forward. If I were you I would ask the agent what the are going to do to sort it out and clearly place any responsibility with regard to potential problems back with them.

Jay James

21:50 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

I have re-read the opening comments; the tenant is already in place it seems.
Maybe it would be best to get rid of the tenant asap.

Sally T

21:58 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Let me know what you think ??? I think how did he pass your checks ? I think if you didn't have the papers, why did you give him the keys ? I think I want him out of my property now at your expense !!!

ray selley

23:04 PM, 12th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Thank you for all your comments.They confirm what i was already thinking.The letting agents message was a little misleading as the person should have been described as the prospective tenant so no harm done.For the record i have used the arla registered agents for over 20 years and they are a substantial firm with 50 non franchised branches hence they are able to provide their own legal department- which appears to be as useful as a chocolate tea pot

John walker

13:44 PM, 13th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Rob Crawford" at "12/05/2015 - 20:09":

If your agent both found and recommended this tenant to you, then I would do as Rob Crawford suggests and place the onus squarely on the agent. I would also suggest you advise them that you will hold them responsible for any costs and loss of revenue due to their negligence.

John Frith

16:30 PM, 13th May 2015, About 9 years ago

I find the previous comments a bit of an over-reaction, though I understand that most landlords would prefer a straightforward let - especially if there is demand for the property.

But sometimes a property might not be easy to let, or you might want to help.

Many overseas students (unlike their UK equivalents) have substantial cash resources. Ok so he might be forced to leave in September, so can he pay 6 or 12 months in advance? You could tell him that if you relet it before the period he has paid for expires, that you would give him a partial refund. Alternatively, is the guarantor happy to pay if he has to leave before the end of the (letting) term?

He has, presumably, paid his University fees so he must believe that he has a good chance of being able to stay.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

16:32 PM, 13th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "John Frith" at "13/05/2015 - 16:30":

Hi John

Have you considered the implications of the Immigration Act to landlords when letting to an asylum seeker / illegal immigrant?
.

John Frith

16:36 PM, 13th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Good point. I'd overlooked the asylum seeker bit. I take it all back!

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