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Are we really unfavourable tenants?

103 replies

L3tti316 · 29/05/2024 14:02

Hi everyone, so we’ve been looking to move out of our current rental in to something bigger for almost a month now and each application is unsuccessful. We’re never really told a reason, only that the landlord chose someone else.

Our household income meets what the estate agents say is required (and some), we’ve got 2 children (we’re in a 2 bed currently and want a 3/4 ideally) and we have one small dog who is almost 15 years old so unfortunately won’t be with us forever as much as it breaks my heart to say. If it helps at all he’s housetrained, has arthritis so can’t make it up the stairs (we have a stair gate because of the kids anyway) and honestly spends most of his days laying outside as it’s his favourite thing to do.

It’s really been getting me down, each time we’re told no I just can’t bare the gut wrenching, heart sinking feeling that comes with the disappointment over yet another big fat ‘rejected’. We’ve been renting for 5 years now and would come with an excellent reference from our current landlord as we’ve caused no damage and have only made improvements to the property such as fresh neutral paint everywhere, changed the bath panel as it was broken and completely sorted out the garden.

Are we really that unfavourable because of the dog and children? 😩 How could we honestly increase our chances? We’re not desperate to move yet but not sure my anxiety can cope with no after no after no for much longer.

OP posts:
DutifulDaughterWifeMother · 08/08/2024 20:14

L3tti316 · 08/08/2024 16:41

Thank you so much!!

I just want to add to this post because a lot of people were doubtful that families with dogs are clean etc and that there’s smells and things that you can’t get rid of.

We actually got every single penny back from our deposit for our old rental. We didn’t have to fight for it either, we were told it was left perfect and there was no reason to keep any of it! 😊

There are always messy and clean people. Trust me as a Landlord it is very hard when you don’t have tenants who consider cleaning & tidying important when renting. We look for tenants who would respect the property as their own. One set of tenants never used the fitted wardrobes to hang their clothes they would always be on the floor of the wardrobes.

I have a dog & I know how much work it takes to keep the hse clean. It’s when he shakes and I see all those hairs fly everywhere 🤦🏽‍♀️ I must hoover up after him every time. Now he just looks at me in disgust when he sees me reach for the hoover. Thank god I never got a long haired dog!!!

mouseyowl · 12/08/2024 21:19

Been in the same situation.
Found a place through SM rather than a EA.
Offered to pay more rent to compensate for the pet (damage deposits are limited by law) and to have carpets professionally cleaned when vacating the property.
Also paid 6 months rent in advance.
I wouldn't mention how elderly the pet is, that's not a positive for a LL.

Renting is so competitive, I feel for you, you have to 'sell' yourselves and be realistic that most LLs would prefer no pets, no kids, no smokers and professionals who are out all day.

mouseyowl · 12/08/2024 21:31

Sorry, I hadn't seen the update, congrats!

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