This much competition for one flat

[Electricdreams22]

In the NW, the location is good as it’s close to the city centre, price is reasonable, flat is very average, not huge, really nothing special.
There were 4 of us just at my viewing slot and I was told there would around 20 applicants.

The minute I left the viewing I emailed expressing my interest, stating that I could pay a deposit and send documents etc right away as well as stating our combined income, and that we want a year’s tenancy.

I was told I’d hear back Monday but I have little hope. I’m sure there will be somebody the landlord prefers, I really don’t see what else we can do.

It’s in Greater Manchester, been trying for a couple of months now but it’s always like this, what else can we really do ? This was a private landlord too, not through an agency

We were declined for a flat last week as the person chosen was willing to pay 6 months’ rent upfront, I am not able or willing to do that

I sold my flat five years ago, South East a mile from a train station 24 minutes from a London terminal, we had one open morning, 40+ viewings almost every viewer offered full asking price. Is it worth going slightly over?

Yes we may have to, it’s for a rental but might be worth saying we’ll pay slightly more, shouldn’t have to really

Stay positive, the landlord might choose you. Does sound extremely competitive though. I agree that if you can afford to offer slightly more than the advertised rent it might give you the edge. Appreciate you shouldn’t have to though.

I think they will consider your regetences and history of employment too to find the 'best tenant.

I had the same in Leeds over the summer, it took me over 8 weeks to secure a flat. The one I did finally get was by luck as well, as there were 14 viewings booked in and I was number two. However I arrived 5 minutes early and the first viewers hadn't turned up yet so the agent let me view it first and therefore I was first to ring the office saying I wanted it.

I feel for you OP it was such a stressful couple of months for me.

And the couple who were meant to view first are now my next door neighbours as the flat next door went up for rent the week after, that was awkward when I said hello when they first moved in and they asked if I had 'stolen that flat from us'

I’d feel so desperate sending them another email saying I’m willing to pay a higher rent, it reminds me of trying to get some guy to out with you and doing anything you can do impress him!

Will try and keep hopeful, they may choose us, though apparently a friend of the current tenant is also interested, might be a case of who you know

@MrsMcCluskeysCat

And the couple who were meant to view first are now my next door neighbours as the flat next door went up for rent the week after, that was awkward when I said hello when they first moved in and they asked if I had 'stolen that flat from us'

I hope you said:"you snooze, you lose"

The rental market is brutal at the moment. I had no idea just how much until DS needed somewhere to rent in a hurry.
There's the referencing and affordability that's done by an outside company then once that's passed the landlord gets to choose who they want to rent the flat.
He struck lucky when he got chosen but it was a nail biting few days as in the area there were hardly any rentals to begin with. V stressful time.

It's appalling at the moment.

I know several people this year who have been on the brink of homelessness as they can't get anywhere. And people living with parents long past they should, several married couples with children squeezing into a parents spare room. It's like we've gone back to the post-war era.