Renting in UK on Asylum
I have just received this message from my letting agents and would be interested in members opinions.
“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
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Taking First Steps into Landlord-dom
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12196 - Articles: 1396
5:32 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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.
.
Member Since October 2014 - Comments: 423
6:27 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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?
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
8:09 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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.
Member Since October 2014 - Comments: 423
9:50 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 128
9:58 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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 !!!
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 86
11:04 PM, 12th May 2015, About 11 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
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 104
1:44 PM, 13th May 2015, About 11 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.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 248
4:30 PM, 13th May 2015, About 11 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.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12196 - Articles: 1396
4:32 PM, 13th May 2015, About 11 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?
.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 248
4:36 PM, 13th May 2015, About 11 years ago
Good point. I’d overlooked the asylum seeker bit. I take it all back!