To put a deposit on a rental house I've not viewed?

[wheresmolly]

Basically that, I know where it is, know the area very well, have viewed a lot of photos of it, explored the surroundings on streetview, have all the details from the agent and have asked lots of questions. I've rented plenty of properties before so know what to look out for.

I am in a situation where I want to leave my partner ASAP and move closer to my family.
Properties in their area don't come up often so I want to move fast with this, but can't get there to view it for a while due to work.

[wheresmolly]

Also it's newly refurbished and looks spotless.

[spanieleyes]

I did, I drove past it once and then rented for 6 months. It worked out OK but it was a new house so no structural etc problems. I might be worried about the condition if it were older!

[WhoWhatWheree]

Have you suggested a facetime viewing? Some agents are offering this

[wheresmolly]

I think I am just worried they won't be able to send this to me before other people view it (this afternoon).

[LemonChiffon]

I'd go for it!

[Canadianpancake]

You can always move again at the end of the tenancy if it's awful.

[megrichardson]

I think I'd go for it too, good luck.

[Levatrice]

Usually I would say no way but in the situation you describe then I probably would yes. If it’s been refurbed and you know what kind of questions to ask r.e boiler, the other usual rental house problems etc you’ll probably be ok.

[wheresmolly]

Ok I've dropped the agent a note. They might not be happy to rent to someone they've not met.

Annoyingly the STB ex has taken my car to go and play golf so I am marooned and can't go to view it today 😭

[wheresmolly]

Looks like I will be able to get there this afternoon after all. Someone else viewing it right after me. Hope I don't have stiff completion for it

[nevermorelenore]

Normally I'd say no, as I've rented a few places and sometimes when you go for a viewing you just get a different 'feel' from the photos. Or you discover the place stinks of damp, or you realise the neighbour has a giant dog that barks all day.

But it sounds like you need to get away and so it may be a good temporary solution. If it's awful, at least moving is fairly easy!

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Letting agents are lying bastards, and the photos usually turn out to be five years old and conveniently omit the collapsed ceiling in the kitchen (I genuinely did see this once on a letting).

I wouldn't do it, unless your current living situation is so awful that anything would be better than this.

[dontdisturbmenow]

If you are prepared to live with issues for 6 months because finding somewhere to go is more important, go for it.

[wheresmolly]

It's ok, I went to see it this afternoon. All good and hopefully I can move in next week. I could cry with relief.

[Levatrice]

Glad it turned out well