First time renters - How to secure a property with lots of interest

[Happyfeet82]

My partner and I are first-time renters and we’re viewing a property tomorrow that we really love. The agent mentioned it’s already getting a lot of interest, around 5 viewings tomorrow and we’re the first to view.

I have a few questions and would really appreciate any advice:

1. Likelihood of securing a property with lots of interest: Since we’re the first viewing, if we say we want the property, will the agent cancel the rest of the viewings, or do they usually continue to show it until someone formally applies?
2. What landlords look for: I am starting a new job on Monday and our combined income is well over the required threshold. How do landlords usually decide who the “best” applicant is?
3. Tips for making our application stand out: We already love this property, and it’s in an ideal location for my new job. Are there ways to make our application more appealing, especially as first-time renters?

Apologies if some of this sounds naive, first-time renter problems!

Any advice or tips would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance.

When I was looking for somewhere to rent and found one that I really liked when I viewed it I said so. I had to put down a week's rent in advance of all the checks. Then they went through affordability and I gave them my reference. It all went through in days and I moved 2 weeks later.

If I were you I'd say there and then you want it. If you've currently rented for a long time I'd mention that. Also that you are clean, careful and quiet

I imagine landlords are keener on people who can rent long term, can afford it and have good references.

With a lot of interest in the property, very doubtful if the agent/landlord will cancel the remaining viewings even if you say you wish to take the property. Generally what will happen is that they will allow the remaining viewings and then make a decision on who is the strongest tenant. Sad to say, the fact that you are starting a new job will probably not go in your favour as presumably there will be a probationary period during which time you could be let go with very little notice. If a couple with two jobs who have been in place for longer come along than they may well win out over you. Also, it can depend on what your job is – I am a landlord and prefer tenants who are in roles like nursing or the police where there is a greater likelihood of the tenant remaining in their post, rather than someone who is for example starting a training contract with a law firm or works In hospitality or beauty where posts and companies tend to come and go.

Thanks for your reply. Starting a new job was one of my main concerns. I do have a guarantor who can support my application, which I was hoping may help, my partner has been in stable employment for many years.

I am not going to get my hopes up on this one, especially with so much interest in the property. Fingers crossed, but I’m trying to stay realistic!

When I was a LL I chose tenants based on a variety of things:

• income/job security/references/ ability to provide a guarantor if necessary
• how I felt about them when they came to view i.e. taking shoes off = good, letting children jump on the beds = bad!
• My sense of how savvy they were about doing basic things around the house. The problem with first time renters is they often don't know how to do things like bleed radiators or change batteries or bulbs in things, and they think the landlord/agent is running a concierge service!
• I also researched them via social media and checked their profiles on places like LinkedIn/Facebook / Instagram. Rejected some potential tenants on the basis of their party lifestyles or endless rants on review sites or political pages!
• My best tenants were a professional couple who were struggling to be accepted elsewhere because he was fighting a CCJ that had wrongly been lodged against him due to an address mix up. They were wonderful and looked after the property so well.
• Another tenant who passed most of my 'checks' turned out to be a nightmare, and I wished I'd taken more notice of a 'hunch' about her.

One potential tenant was dismissed because of her ridiculously long nails, and I watched as she scratched the newly painted kitchen in the first 5 minutes! 😂

Usually people with no pets, no kids and no benefits get priority. Then I guess salary and longevity of relationship. Just thinking back to what questions we were asked.

For me, one of the main things was having non-smoking tenants. Assuming you don't smoke, do make this very clear!

Agree with this - if you really like it, say so there and then. Be positive. Even though you are starting a new job, this means you are committing to the area. They will likely cancel the other appointments as they’re just so busy!
I would prefer a matter-of-fact way of dealing with things (i.e. letting agent doing the viewing) over @Legacy ‘s way of vetting anyway!

I paid little attention to previous landlord references, on the basis that I once had to give a good one to get shot of a nightmare tenant!

I might also be slightly more pre-disposed towards people with careers who weren't working from home, as that puts more wear and tear on the property than say someone out 8-6?
The pandemic meant that our property suffered a lot from having everyone at home 24/7 and it cost a lot to repair/replace/ redecorate.

I don't think the agents would cancel the other viewings - what if the first ones later fell through?
My agent marketed it and gave me the list of applicants, but I did the viewings myself as it was really important to me to meet potential tenants.

The different between a 'good' and a 'bad' tenant can be worth tens of thousands of pounds a year, so it was something I wanted involvement in.
Agents don't always care (especially if they're not managing it) and just want to rush it through.

Renting isn’t just about being chosen, it’s also about choosing wisely. It’s easy to forget that tenants have just as much right to vet the landlord and the property as the landlord does to vet them. The LL and tenant are business partners. So asking questions in a polite but business like way shows an interest in the area and property. You are asking about these things because you want to be a responsible business partner.

For example📧

What are the neighbours like? Is it a quiet or a liverly area? How about crime/security. Are there any known issues?

Are you looking for a long letting? Any unusual restrictions in the lease? You should also be able to view a copy of the lease up front.

Utilities like broadband and water. Is the property metered? Whats the wifi like in the area. What band is the council tax.

Will you have 6 months of pay slips op?

Presumably no references if you’re both first timers?

I don't think many agents would stand and answer all those questions for numerous viewers, it's all info that the prospective renter should find out themselves from the listing and crime statistics.

When I was a landlord the decision was based on which people weren't going to be an absolute nightmare to deal with.
Good luck OP, it's a nightmare market and only going to get worse as more and more landlords sell up.

I work with an estate agent as part of my job. They would not cancel further viewings as they will hold several viewings, its not first to view gets. When it gets to maybe 8-10 viewers, they will then put all applicants to the LL and may recommend which one they take.

The successful party will then be reference checked online, finances checked etc, CCJ's etc, to see if they would be a suitable tenant financially.

They go on actual facts, not who loves the property the most.

Good luck with your search and fingers crossed on this one.

not a chance I’d cancel other viewings if I received an offer from a couple who have no references and one of the applicants will be on probation at work

No one has mentioned bidding yet so maybe that’s a London thing, but here if there’s lots of interest it depends who is willing to pay the most. Like selling, the advertised price becomes a starting point unfortunately

😂Noted! I do realise this may seem unrealistic.

My experience is based on Manchester, maybe it’s just happening there?

We are based in the South East (Surrey/borders of Hampshire)

Op I you have left two jobs in quick succession within last 3 months. That is not going to look great

Did you get it op @Happyfeet82 ?