UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi we are renting out our first rental property.
We have it all ready and it has been up for rent for a month with only 2 viewings.I realise that it may be a difficult time to rent but I am wondering when the rental market picks up. The last guy was going to rent it but wanted to move in straight away and wanted us to say he could stay longer than a year and we said the max we could do was a 12 months at a time.  He then changed his mind.

We chose the estate agent based on the fact that we liked them and they seemed professional although they are not based in the area.  Another estate agent who we nearly went with as they are close to property has approached us.  We are unsure whether to move estate agents or just to be a bit more patient. 


How long does it normally take to rent out a property?

Thanks for any advise.

Why would you tell him he could only be there for 12 months?  Are you selling the place?  Do you know how much the agent charges people to even apply to rent the property?  Have you advertised in alternative locations?

We can only do a 6 or 12 months tenancy terms of mortgage.  Also we might move into it in the future and rent our current property. 

Perhaps we should say next time yes it is possible but not put anything in writing?

Does the market pick up after Christmas?

No as we are paying  flat fee, looked at fees and seems to charge lower than many other rental agents.  Doesn't charge to look at it just when an application goes in to do checks.

Is advertised in Rightmove, at estate agents and in their E brochure.

Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of rentals...
I have had a couple of properties that came up for rent in mid December and early January and found suitable tenants within a week.. I think it depends on the property and the amount of rent being asked in a lot if cases, as there are always tenants looking and perhaps having an agent from out of area is losing you prospects that may well already be in the area. Have you considered finding your own tenants by using an online service (as detailed elsewhere on this site) or even a postcard in a local newsagents with a photo of the property may give you a better chance?
If you are happier paying an agent I would always suggest someone with a local shop window and the cheapest are not always the best perhaps?
I am sure it will go soon and good luck.

It's a Landlord's market out there... more Tenants than most of us can handle. So... rather than blame the time of year, consider whether your property is crap or you are wanting way too much for it.

Good properties at the right price simply don't hang around for long. It's a fact... unless there's something else odd about the property?

It is true - it is nothing to do with January or that quiet time of year - after decorating our renter over the festive period expecting tenants to move in 2nd January (they changed their minds) we had our 1st viewing on Friday and they love it and want it!

Thanks for your comments. It is helpful to get advice. No I don't think it is a crap house, it is not really an ideal house to rent as it is not the cheapest being a 4 bed detached.   It needs a family or at least someone on quite a good salary. 
  Anyway, its good news, someone looked at it Wednesday and they want it.  We found out tonight. So we need to meet them and make sure we want them to be in our house. Fingers crossed.

We have someone else viewing it tomorrow just in case it falls through for any reason.