The last 3 times I have rented I have been told to apply quickly as when they have an application in, they just go with that.
I've applied for two houses in the last week. The first one I was told there was only one other application and that if I would beat their offer of £725 (£50 above asking price) I would get it. I then had an email to say my application was unsuccessful. I was told that there was actually 4 applications and the landlord went with a lower offer than mine. It's just me and two children, I have a good credit rating and offered to pay 6 months in advance and to sign for 12-24 month lease. The letting agent just said it was "hard luck".
The second one is a tenant still in contract who wants to leave early. I have put in an offer for the asking price and was told mine is the only application. I rang back the next day to see if the landlord had accepted my application to be told they haven't sent it to him yet as they have bookings later in the week and want to see the response from those first. It's still up available for more viewings as well.
Seems a lot of messing around. Is this normal?