UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi,
     I am picking up keys for my first BTL very soon. I have about 4 - 6 weeks before getting the property up to scratch but will probably start advertising the place as soon as I have made a dent in the to-do list.

I would appreciate some pointers on what to do if I decide that a possible tenant is not suitable. Obviously if they have bad credit or references I can tell them this is the reason they are unsuccessful. However I am sure some people will fall short of my gut feeling, talking to, facebook search or smell test and they are probably not reasons the tenant would feel where just enough to loose a home on.
So what is the trick? What if they want your property but you don't want them, If I say someone else has taken it , wont they just ask, why did I show them the property in the first place?

I know its unlikely to be the most challenging question posted on here, but couldn't find a answer and I am hoping I don't have to be an arsehole to random strangers that need a new home.

Thanks for your time

Steve

Tell them you went to great expense and effort to install secret spy cameras in the bathrooms and bedrooms and, sadly, they're not pretty enough to fulfill your 'needs'? They might be offended, true, but also relieved. Swings and roundabouts.

It is a challenging question as you obviously have a conscience and like to treat people as you want to be treated yourself. 

Land lording is easy, with one proviso, you need 'good' tenants.  Do not be scared of a void period in the quest to find someone you can work with.  Being a landlord is people management, bricks don't require that much work.  There is nothing more expensive than a bad tenant.

Gut feeling and facebook plus the however many minutes viewing time with them is invaluable. 

You'll feel less guilty once you've been messed around by prospective tenants. 

Requesting a 2nd viewing prior to you going to work so their husband can see it and not turning up, turning up 15-20 minutes late, no text no apologee when they arrive, asking stupid questions like "what's the rent" then telling them + the deposit then being asked what they are going to live on for the rest of the month if they pay me that etc etc

If they seem like high maintenance it's a big no from me. 

There are plenty of tenants, there are plenty of properties.  You don't have to justify yourself if you just want to say no.

The way I 'manage' my properties is that I introduce myself as my other halfs lacky.  I do the viewings, I go round to the property to do jobs, check things out, paint the picture that I am just called on to deal with things when needed to.  The tenants don't meet her (as I actually am the lacky) but any requests, any decisions, have to go for approval through her.  I just then heap any decision on her saying no.  Landlording by proxy, works well as she deals with getting the rent from them aswell.

I am no expert of this property game but I have had a few dealings with renting out properties and having to go through the process of taking people round and choosing the right tenant.

At the end of the day its your property and you have every right to be picky of who takes it. You obviously want the right people in it and this also goes on your gut feeling.
Most of the time I have said that someone else is interested in the property or just say they are not right for me.
You don't really have to give any kind of reason as I said its your house. But there is the little feeling inside you that is a little awkward.
Or tell a little fib.. if that makes you feel better.

anyway hope that may help in some way.
Good luck.
References are always a good thing.

References with a caveat that the current LL may say anything to get rid of bad tenants.

Thanks for your replies,

Interesing idea hippogriff, would that be 100% ilegal or....

Thanks riptide, being the lacky is about right. I run my own property maintenance firm anyway so was thinking of lying and telling tenants I am the maintenance/agent guy. One of my landlords thought this was a great idea but I thought I would be constantly worrying about getting caught out then having to face my tenants. But maybe a lie somewhere between the two would be good.

Thansk again