A friend of mine and her DP are having a difficult time finding accommodation. They relocated here recently and their short-term lease - which was supposed to tide them over until they found an appropriate rental property - is coming to an end.
Yesterday they went to view a flat which was perfect for them in every way, and easily affordable. Normal procedure would normally be to have the tenant put down a holding deposit (first come, first served) and then, pending checks and references, sign the lease. This letting agent demanded that all couples write an email explaining their circumstances and basically beg for the flat. The selected tenants then have the privilege of paying a holding deposit. She wrote an effusive email which outlined their employment situation and so on. I can't think of anything which would adversely affect their 'application' but they weren't chosen, and she's very disappointed.
Is this just me, or is this a mental way to let out a flat. It's a rental property. Surely, if you have an adequate income and can pass basic credit checks etc then you should be entitled to put down a holding deposit and enter into a lease agreement. It doesn't seem fair or transparent. Though it's a peripheral concern, it also seems to invite corruption. I can understand a private landlord letting to a preferred couple - but a letting agency? Surely their procedures should be more professional.
With so more and more people relying on private rented accommodation surely this sort of practise shouldn't really be acceptable.
Thoughts?
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AIBU?
To think this is shit way of letting out a flat
55 replies
HeadsDownThumbsUp · 10/10/2013 16:15
OP posts:
NoMoreMadCatLady ·
10/10/2013 16:49
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Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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