AIBU to think they don’t have an empty apartment? Help I need advice.

[favouriteflowers]

Daughter is moving to Manchester from Ireland. 1 she choose an apartment nd paid the holding deposit. They did back ground checks and agreed she could rent. Said they would send rental agreements through 3 days before move in date which is 11 August.

On 6th they called and said the people who lived in the apartment decided not to leave and they offered her an alternative, she agreed on the proviso she could still move in on 11th. (New job starting the following Monday) They said they would send agreements on 7th.

This is now the 10th. The day before move in and still no agreements. No reply to various emails we sent on Friday and today. We have spent all day trying
to ring and phone just rings constantly. No answer. We are about to board an overnight ferry as this was all booked months ago when the initial apartment was booked.

AIBU to think they do not have an apartment ready? I’ve booked a hotel for one night just in case. I should say they have assured her there would be one for move in on 11th on phone but no emails or written confirmations. Phone calls are recorded does that help? I’m worried sick.

Rental market in Ireland is insane !!! Impossible to find accommodation anywhere.

Hope all goes well today

I have been doing viewings with a client in another Northern City today, 3 of our viewings cancelled this morning and one just as we arrived at the property. I have been in Relocation for 10 years and I have never seen it this bad
I hope your DD did get her keys OP, please make sure she does a thorough Inventory check and highlight anything incorrect in writing within 10 days

Was it really cheap ? It could well be a scam and there is no apartment

Did you manage to sort it out today?

I have dealt with a range of manchester landlords and estate agents and will say what has most likely happened is that there is no apartment, and they told her that there was to retain the deposit and first months rent. Then when something comes up will contact you to say it's ready. Have had this happen to me before and it's an utter disgrace. They just do it so they don't lose the funds and have you go elsewhere. Really hope they come through OP but ngl it's a pretty terrible agency. I would be looking elsewhere right now and then contact them for the deposit etc back immediately. She should have never paid a deposit etc without being on the lease first, either. All very sus

Very standard in a large city. Costs a fortune to get from i.e. the centre of Manchester to Wilmslow. Travel time is very long, too. Video viewings are much easier in this instance and have been very popular since Covid. Though I agree, I would still ideally always view the property first. Videos and photos can be deceiving! Plus it's nice just to get a feel for the property, too.

Not everyone can afford to do that

Try open rent my sister was housed in two days .

There are lots of scammers on the internet

People who copy photos of existing properties
Supply a contract
Take deposit
But the property either does not exist or is already lived in.

Suggest go to an estate agenty in person

View the property in person

@favouriteflowers what happened, did it all get sorted today? Hope you're both ok

Periodic tendencies are the only thing that still exists as far as residential tenancies are concerned. No more ASTs - assured periodic instead

It sounds like you might have been scammed.. Ring the police in England and see what they say. Unless they're a useless company. I how you get it sorted. It's a right carry on what's happening with you guys

Hope it was ok OP. Please do come back and let us know

Greater Manchester Tenants Union has a student branch.
https://tenantsunion.org.uk

Hi @favouriteflowers did you get sorted? Is DD a student or moving for work?

If you’re working it’s hard too- in London they call and if you can’t get there for the viewing slot in 2 hours it’s gone. There’s obviously a limit on the number of times most of us can do this while working full time.

Hi. Thank you all. She’s moving to work in Manchester so not a student.
we arrived at the lettings office at half nine and
i had a speech prepared. However it wasn’t needed. The apartment was ready we got the email contract etc and
an appointment to come back at 2 to collect keys etc. all worked out. She’s moved in amd
after many tears I’m on my way home.

I’m sorry but I think you’ve fallen victim to a common scam

Thank goodness !!!

But what did the agency say about not answering any of your calls/emails?

That's great news, but why were they ignoring all your emails?

If you read the update, it all worked out in the end.

With up to 10 or more Tenants chasing every rental property in most areas as long as they don't do anything illegal Lettings Agents can be as rubbish as they want. If you don't like it then other people will

Thank goodness. I’m glad it all worked out in the end.