Landlord- offer more rent to secure tenancy?

[Lochnessgiraffe]

We're looking to move and are viewing a house at the weekend. We are 2 adults 2 teenagers and 2 small dogs.
The letting agent has said they'll put all offers to the landlord in one go.
We were thinking of offering more rent.
If you are a landlord would you look more favourably on prospective tenants if they did this?

We were in a competitive situation when we took our current property; offered a bit higher and for 18 months (rather than 12) plus submitted references from previous landlord. It's not just the money landlords are after - more the security of having good, long term tenants

I’d also add if you have pets offer to pay for Professional cleaning of carpets etc when you leave

How much more you'd you offer? Yes to doing the carpets and we have references. We'd be looking to stay long term as long as they'd have us.

Would you. -edit button please-

I’m a landlord (not a rentier type; I live overseas and rent out my permanent home to which I will eventually return).

I have rented to tenants who offered more rent than other tenants, although they also had impeccable credentials. They turned out to have quite an attitude to go along with their deeper pockets so I actually had more stress dealing with them which the additional money didn’t justify. Won’t be making that mistake again.

I look for tenants with stable employment history, no debts, glowing previous landlord references, and financial organisation (I ask for 6 months’ payslips and bank statements). I also like tenants whose future plans and timelines work with mine - some landlords like forever tenants, some like Tier 5 visa types who will return to their home country at the end of the contract, so they don’t have to serve notice. Chat with the agent and the landlord if you can to see what they want and how you might best suit them.

I love prospective tenants who bring all their paperwork with them to viewings - hard not to shine when you’re that organised. I’d rank these tenants ahead of someone paying extra for sure.

All landlords like tenants who treat them like human beings. I’m not a twat just by virtue of being a landlord, and tenants who understand this are far more likely to secure the rental.

We have stable recession proof jobs both wfh. Good credit. Good references.

I'm a LL. I had one guy offer me 6 months rent upfront and it put me off him. There was something not quite right.
I had someone offer me more money. Turned out they failed the affordability checks I do.
Make sure they know how long you want to stay. If you have dogs I'd want to know you were staying long enough to warrant new carpets afterwards.

We'd be planning on staying for at least 5 years. We can easily afford the affordability check the rent is 300 less than we currently pay. We were thinking of offering 200 more per month as a sort of pet rent.

God, 6 months payslips is more intrusive than getting a mortgage.

Bloody hell, how have things come to this?

Yes, I know it can be a right pain for landlords having difficult tenants, but it seems a bit OTT to have someone nosing through 6 months of my bank statements to see how much I've spent at the pub and Anne Summers or whatever. If I've paid my last x years rent on time and have a good reference from my current landlord, what difference is that going to make?

@spuddy56

God, 6 months payslips is more intrusive than getting a mortgage.

I was just thinking that, particularly also the new trend for every one needing a guarantor who works AND owns their own home, even if the tenant is also working. Dreadful

I echo the others. Length of tenancy you’d commit to is a big deal rather than extra money. A covering letter which you ask to be forwarded on is also really good as it makes you a motivated, human family who love the house not just what the estate agent presents. Good luck.

For everyone who does this, surely it pushes up the price of renting for everyone else?
Also, 6 months bank statements? Do you look through them all? That seems awfully intrusive. By all means, look at my payslips but my bank account is none of your business (as dull as it it).

A covering letter is a good idea. I'll do that.

@BingoBungle

I’m a landlord (not a rentier type; I live overseas and rent out my permanent home to which I will eventually return).

I have rented to tenants who offered more rent than other tenants, although they also had impeccable credentials. They turned out to have quite an attitude to go along with their deeper pockets so I actually had more stress dealing with them which the additional money didn’t justify. Won’t be making that mistake again.

I look for tenants with stable employment history, no debts, glowing previous landlord references, and financial organisation (I ask for 6 months’ payslips and bank statements). I also like tenants whose future plans and timelines work with mine - some landlords like forever tenants, some like Tier 5 visa types who will return to their home country at the end of the contract, so they don’t have to serve notice. Chat with the agent and the landlord if you can to see what they want and how you might best suit them.

I love prospective tenants who bring all their paperwork with them to viewings - hard not to shine when you’re that organised. I’d rank these tenants ahead of someone paying extra for sure.

All landlords like tenants who treat them like human beings. I’m not a twat just by virtue of being a landlord, and tenants who understand this are far more likely to secure the rental.

Ugh, I’m sure it wasn’t your intention but this post is all types of cringe. “Quite an attitude”, tenants who “shine”. Maybe try treating tenants as your equal rather than some kind of pick me pick me competition?

FWIW I am a landlord too. And I don’t do any of this shit. I told the estate agent the rent I wanted and they did whatever the normal checks are - basic credit, references, affordability, identity. No making them jump through hoops or play stupid games.

I would always choose non pet owners over pet owners, however much they might offer to pay.

I wouldn't use any landlord who made you jump through stupid hoops, this isn't what renting should be! Your not buying the bloody house, why should they see 6 months of PRIVATE bank statements or be offered more rent?

bingobugle I hope you use a letting agent otherwise that's a gdpr nightmare and offence.

No, I use a lawyer, because letting agents are not a friend to either landlords or tenants. It’s perfectly legal because it’s a personal correspondence. I own a fabulous house in a super location and charge below market rent. It’s always a bunfight on the rare occasions it’s available so I pick the best tenants.

That seems alot to offer as pet rent! I would be very keen, say how interested you are, all your plus points and then say that of course you will pay pet rent.

The things I would be looking for (as a landlord) is

• excellent references.

• You don't move frequently.
• It sounds like you want to stay long term
• you work in secure jobs
• some sort of guarantees with regard to pet damage

I have not rented to someone who offered more before, as I was concerned they were dodgy.

We got the house! I wrote a card with our info on it and offered 200 more in rent. And we got it!!