AIBU to not accept new tenants currently on furlough?

[misstiggiwinkle]

I am letting out a small flat in London and have received an asking price offer from a couple, the main earner is currently furloughed. AIBU not to accept their offer as I am worried that they will be made redundant and then not be able to pay the rent?

prospective tenant is in website marketing

This isn't my field so I wouldn't know, but I'd be taking advice on how secure jobs in the sector/particular company are likely to be, then basing my decision on that

It's true any tenant could be made redundant, but it could be unwise to take a chance if you know it's a firm possibility

Well within your rights OP. I’d be concerned too. Yes it’s crap for tenant but it’s not your issue

It's your property, you are not being unreasonable to set whatever parameters you'd like. Of course, if you're not offering it for free for as long as they'd like out of 'be kind' on MN you're on part with a nest of murder hornets. What's unreasonable is asking on here.

You are being unreasonable if you haven't taken out insurance to cover inability to pay rent.

The question here is what view the insurers would take of you signing a lease with someone who is furloughed. It’s a business decision and solvency is a large part of that, regardless of what vitriol some posters might choose to direct at you.

@lynzpynz that's not a genuine MNHQ post! it's a troll - just report it, I did.

Don't give it a second thought. Your spidey senses are right. Always go with them, you're not running a charity.

Me and my partner are furloughed, we have just signed a contract on a new house today. People need a house. Furlough is to prevent redundancies. You’re being ridiculous. Particularly as you say asking price offer on rent, they haven’t tried to haggle and you were clearly expecting people to

@Catsrus that's quite clever trolling tbf 😂! Did make me laugh anyway, have now reported also thanks for clarifying!

I saw that and 🤣
Still had to check it just to make sure. Wonder what happened 🤣 🤣

If that’s a troll this place has been hacked again

It sounds like you dont really have to accept them so I guess you wont. We moved during lockdown back from abroad and to a city where there are countless flats sitting empty so our landlord was happy to accept our offer of 6 months rent plus I am employed as a nurse for 2 shifts a week. My husband has unfortunately been made redundant. We also offered £70 below price stated and were accepted.

You're being unreasonable if you reject it out of hand. So so so many people are furloughed right now and it would be bad for them and bad for you to reject them over it. Find out how long they've worked there, what their job is, whether they're likely to be made redundant and whether it's likely they'd be able to find another job quickly if they were. How much do they have in savings? What benefits would they be entitled to if the main earner were made redundant? Could they reasonably provide a guarantor? You can't predict the future but rejecting anyone who's furloughed seems a bit extreme.

YABU. Most of my tenants are currently furloughed and have been paying rent as normal

YANBU

We sold our properties because people wouldn’t pay their rent.

This is a business transaction. Protect yourself

Assuming their references check out, ie. from their previous LL - I would suggest asking them for 6 months rent payable in advance plus the usual deposit. If their job exists longer term they will be able to secure a loan. When my niece was viewing a sought after rental flat the only way to get to the top of the list was for her father to pay the 6 months in advance.

YANBU. You’re running a business and need to make sure the tenants are financially able to meet rent payments. A lot in the hospitality trade are furloughed and a large percentage are not going to have jobs to go back to. A lot of businesses are going to go under at the end of this. It’s not worth the risk.

For all the people slagging you off- do they realise that certain employment conditions of your tenants might mean your house insurance is invalid?

If thats the case, you are right to be wary and careful. Anyone who has a problem with that should take it up with the greedy insurance companies, not with the OP who is merely trying to ensure her property is safe and covered!

You're getting a classical mumsnet bashing from people but although it would be lovely to offer someone the opportunity., kindness will not pay your bills.

@Hawkin

Quick question also to anyone that can answer... what is that little flower/cake thing?

I often see it on MN but I’ve not even got it in my emojis.....

So actually 2 questions, what’s it for? And where to find it? 😬

I don’t think you are being unreasonable.

You're getting a classical mumsnet bashing from people but although it would be lovely to offer someone the opportunity., kindness will not pay your bills.

This! Best ever manifestation of this was an OP who'd inherited a house from her grandmother that had sitting tenants. She was asking only how to properly serve notice to them as the family wanted to sell it vacant. Cue mega bashing, she should be grateful, they should give the house to the tenant, I shit you not!

It's not a charity. It's your property. If you have a gut feeling about potential tenants, go with it. Rent to someone else.

Cue mega bashing, she should be grateful, they should give the house to the tenant, I shit you not

haha! classic MN- as if THEY would just hand over a huge inheritance to a complete stranger - bollocks they would!

Ah, the double standards... lots of landlords and agencies actively reject people in benefits but YABU for not wanting to consider a furloughed tenant?

Personally... the flat rent is your income, you are perfectly reasonable not to want to possiblY get into financial difficulties to support the furloughed. I’m sure neither the furloughed or the government will support you if you end up in hardship due to missed payments.

Your flat, your choice, if you have enough income to survive without this rent, I would say yes, safe to rent to them, if you don’t then you have your answer.

Agree, your flat your choice. You are right to be cautious in these times.

According to MN most people on furlough are at risk of redundancy, so I wouldn't risk it.