Would you approach a landlord to rent his property before the current tenant has given notice, which you know they are going to do shortly?

[Fimbo]

Neighbour A is currently renting a property in my street through an agency. A is giving notice this week. Neighbour B also in same street but renting through a different agency wants the house A is currently in.

I know the person who owns A's house, through my work. Do you think it would be acceptable to approach them and say B is interested in the house although they don't know yet that A is about to give notice?

B is trying to save agency fees by going through the owner directly.

What do you think?

Yes, providing B is reliable, landlord will be grateful.

Yes landlord will be grateful, BUT A may not be pleased!
Bear in mind that they may not be 100% about when they are planning to give notice and even if they are it might upset them for you to be telling the landlord of their intentions before they do.

I don't see much 'ethical' dilemma. If A has mentioned to you that they're moving, then you're not exactly chasing the m out

However, it might put your friend B in a weak position. Rents are falling - but landlord might need to sit twiddling his thumbs for a few weeks before he accepts he needs to drop his rent too.

Also, missing out the agent might lead to shortcuts like the deposit not being put in a protected account, or inadequate contracts being drawn up.

Probably not. If I were Neighbour A I would be a bit miffed that someone had told my Landlord before me that I was moving out.

Do you know A well enough to ask them to pass on the word about Neighbour B to the Landlord?

Sorry to be clear, A & B know each other and each are aware of the situation. B has been round to look at the house at A's invitation!

A doesn't know the landlord as payment of rent etc is done through an agency. If she tells the agency about B then B will need to pay the agency fees. The landlord has other properties on this estate so may well just want to use the agency anyway. B will be renting for the long term.