What tenant would you pick?

[empheridite]

Have a two bed rental in my block of flats. I live directly opposite it. I listed for £2,400 and had two viewings, including Couple A. No follow up, so I reduced to £2,200.

Had a flurry more viewings. Couple B seemed keen.

Couple A: Young professional couple who have lived with each other before. Want a 24 month tenancy. Offered £2,100 a month. Stressed they want somewhere longer term & a home.

Couple B: Slightly older professional couple, offered asking price of £2,200. Only willing to commit to a 12 month tenancy. Apparently seemed a bit less keen.

Couple A - Couple B will leave at 12 months and you’ll need to re market with all the attendant costs and faff.

Couple A - but could you offer a shorter tenancy period initially with a view to go on to rolling tenancy if everything is satisfactory?

Where the hell is your block of flats???

Agree couple 1 although are you ok with kids? And are you happy having it rented out for the next decade all being well? If yo plan to sell ina few years, I'd be upfront and let 1 make the call

No plans to sell

Are there fees involved or are you renting direct? If direct I'd say B with an increase after a year. A if you are going through an agency which is charging you a finders fee (and a renewal fee). Break clause if you wish, though if they are not behaving you can serve notice if they break the agreement.

Give it to Couple A for £2000 a month. Better the hundred quid in their pockets than yours!

I’d be inclined to go for Couple A as they seem passionate for it.

Couple B want something interim for now. You know at least with Couple A, you’re guaranteed a £50k income for the next two years.

If couple B leave after 12 months then you could face months possibly without income and you’d have the hassle of finding new tenants etc.