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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

renting flat to 17 year old couple

149 replies

skiingcat · 02/03/2014 10:56

This is probably not in the right place but this is my first ever post..
My dh has a flat which he rents and we were showing people round yesterday and this couple were really keen however they are both only 17. They both work and have been to the council and got paperwork to confirm they can afford it. My husband agreed they could have it subject to the solicitor doing references. He agreed before I could jump in and say we would discuss it as we still had others to see. She seemed lovely but I didn't like the look of him but I am probably quite judgemental. I did some sock media searching when we got home and it seems like he has cheated on her in the past and she is barred from the pub he works in cause she doesn't get on with his family. Maybe I'm just worrying but I do not want trouble as getting tenants out seems like a nightmare and the law is more on their side than the landlords. Also he asked what our jobs were and when he said he was like oh you must have a fair amount of money coming in...

OP posts:
GingerMaman · 02/03/2014 11:19

I wouldn't judge purely on age, but the background you mentioned doesn't sound good.

WooWooOwl · 02/03/2014 11:19

Because I think I'd be taking a bigger risk.

I wouldn't discount someone completely on the basis that they were under 21, but I would look into their circumstances and depending on those I'd ask for a guarantor.

I was in the same position as you at 20, I'm perfectly aware that 18/19/20 yo's can be responsible and good tenants. But I'm also aware of lovely people who were irresponsible idiots at that age so I'd want to do everything I could to protect my property and ensure a smooth tenancy.

Original poster
skiingcat · 02/03/2014 11:19

We are going to speak to lawyer tomorrow about whole thing. Hopefully the age / guarentor thing will make it no go.
Darling Grace that is exactly what I thought.
I am not sure about the council proof she was talking about supposedly they had costed out what they could afford and had documentation from the council.
I hope insurance say no.

OP posts:
tonyblairsreallygoodlegsnbutt · 02/03/2014 11:21

I wouldn't judge purely on age but, given the other information on this couple, it would be a definite no from me. They sound like trouble.
Protect your assets!

mummywithsmiles · 02/03/2014 11:24

Its all because everyone gets judged on other people ....a 17 yr old may throw a party because they have before so all 17 yr olds must.
How about not everyone is the same and 25 yr old guy can also be a non rent paying party person.
I feel sorry for anyone under the age of 24 these days.

Birdsgottafly · 02/03/2014 11:26

"I am not sure about the council proof she was talking about"

Does your DH know?

It doesn't sound as though you have enough information from them.

Under 18's cannot enter into contracts for good reasons, one is that they need protection, because of rash judgements and immaturity.

Those that expect them to be able to enter into an agreement hold the responsibility, you and your DH.

I doubt based on the little information that you have your insurance will agree to this.

This is why Young Peoples housing schemes exist.

thornrose · 02/03/2014 11:26

Sorry to derail a bit but are you saying you found them on FB and saw the stuff about cheating and being barred from the pub?

Flossyfloof · 02/03/2014 11:28

For the person who commented about LL prying into their personal life. I can see why you find this offensive but I think most people, especially those who don't use an agent would do this. I never have but then I always go through agents. Tenancy problems are a nightmare and you have to be pragmatic about these things.
I wouldn't rent to a couple of 17 year olds because I don't think that many 17 year olds are particularly reliable when it comes to things like this. Through no fault of their own - they are only 17.

Birdsgottafly · 02/03/2014 11:29

"How about not everyone is the same and 25 yr old guy can also be a non rent paying party person."

But the 25 year old won't be deemed vulnerable due to age and harder to evict or have difficulties calming HB, if left single etc.

There is no harm in this couple waiting until they are over 18.

We all wanted things a little to soon, but it isn't always best.

Birdsgottafly · 02/03/2014 11:31

They won't be able to claim IS, or be on min wage yet.

Unless they have major issues at home, a 17 year old would be best staying put and waiting, if they can't, then, as I said Housing Schemes exist.

CoffeeTea103 · 02/03/2014 11:39

I definitely wouldn't to a 17 year old.

AgaPanthers · 02/03/2014 11:41

What does the council have to do with them affording it? Sounds like a nightmare.

AlwaysDancing1234 · 02/03/2014 11:45

Don't judge all 17 year olds the same. I had to leave home at 17 and rented a small room, I never smoked, drank or did anything 'bad'. I took very good care of my little place, worked bloody hard at my job and stayed there for a few years in the end. I had to get a family member to sign the contract though as I was under 18. Landlord made very regular checks at first (which was fair enough) and I had to pay a hefty deposit, again fair enough but I think they should've given a fair chance. Clauses can be written in to contract to be strict on behaviour and conduct.

Owllady · 02/03/2014 11:47

I rented at 17 too, I was working full time. I am 36 now and I am still with the same partner. Neither if us has ever missed a rent or mortgage payment or cheated on one another.
For balance :o

AlwaysDancing1234 · 02/03/2014 11:48

Also don't assume the 17 year old is the cause of the "issues at home". I had to leave home at 17 as my mother was violent controlling and abusive.
Just saying not all 17 year olds are terrible and maybe they should get a fair chance

Flossyfloof · 02/03/2014 11:51

Of course all 17 year olds are not the same. However, this is a business arrangement and as a landlord you have to protect your assets. 17 year olds are not a good bet as far as letting a property is concerned. Harsh but true.

Owllady · 02/03/2014 11:51

I agree, I had to move out as my mum was made homeless and had to move in with my gran :(
And really I used to do bigger all in the way of things social as I never had any money as it was all going on my flat

MoominIsWaitingToMeetHerMiniMe · 02/03/2014 11:57

Maybe they'd be better looking into a room/studio apartment in a shared house, sharing with students for example? I'm at uni (19) and living in a shared house with my boyfriend. We'd be living in shared again next year probably, if not for the fact that we have to find a private rent because we're having a baby in April.

FWIW even before getting pregnant we weren't a massive party couple - he's teetotal, I went out maybe once a month. The 25 year old guy who lives in the shared house with us but is working, rather than studying, and he is constantly coming home late hammered, leaving a mess everywhere. If you were judging just based on age, I'd say YABU. I still think you might possibly BU even considering the circumstances.

LimitedEditionLady · 02/03/2014 11:58

I rented at 17,BUT yes i would be dubious about it.It is ok for other people to say "well i was 17 and looked after the house etc" but not every person is the same regardless of age and its your property so you have a right to be wary.You could get a bad tenant of any age but tbh do people not think it is higher risk?

BumpAndGrind · 02/03/2014 11:59

I wouldn't rent to someone who couldn't work Facebook privacy settings Grin

Yanbu to be wary given the info you now know but I think yabu snooping and being so judgy about the age in the first place.

I would not want you as my LL.

Tryharder · 02/03/2014 12:03

In the end it's your house and you do not have to rent to this couple of you don't want to regardless of anyone here thinking you are judgmental or not.

If you think you can get 'better', older and more reliable tenants for your property at the price you want them why not?

The comment about him asking your jobs and the snarky comment about the wages would probably put me off more so than the age. Their relationship sounds pretty flaky as well and I would probably steer clear myself.

Babiecakes91 · 02/03/2014 12:07

I wouldn't judge anyone by their age, legally they don't need to tell you their age only that they are over 16.
I moved 50 miles away across the country on my own at 16 and paid rent and kept my flat tidy, not all 16/17 year olds are going to have party's it leave the place in a state.

HappyMummyOfOne · 02/03/2014 12:13

No, i wouldnt. Under 18 they cannot be liable for debt. Their social media indicates they are not outstandingly behaved 17 year olds and asking about your financial status was weighing you up to see if you can stand the rent if they dont pay it.

I'd hold out for better tennants that you feel more comfortable with. Its your asset and you should protect it.

Birdo83 · 02/03/2014 12:14

I moved 50 miles away across the country on my own at 16 and paid rent and kept my flat tidy

That was a different age. People moved out of home, matured quicker and tended to have responsibilities earlier in the past.

bragmatic · 02/03/2014 12:15

'sock media'.

OK, the penny just dropped.

I wouldn't, given your OP.

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