I have found an advert I’m interested in and requested a viewing, I have been messaged back by the landlord via OR, he has asked me to provide a WhatsApp or email address I quote, “to arrange a viewing” but when I started typing this in the chat I had a message pop up warning me NOT to send any details as the viewings are arranged through OR. I’m so confused, should I send an email address or not? Why would I be asked if the viewing can be arranged without it? Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks
Some landlords prefer to do things their own way, outside of OR.
Dont be too concerned, but never handover any money upfront or copies of driving licence etc. View the property first, ask questions, make sure it all rings true.
Thank you Mark, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
I’ve just never rented before and am in East London so I’m sure you can imagine how cut throat the rental market is here, unfortunately this also means an increase of scams.
If/when it comes to deposit time, you could mention that you would prefer to send this via OR, just as a precaution.
However, I’m one the landlords that always take payments direct to my bank. There’s quite a few on this forum that do this. We like being in full control, not being dependent on other systems. Many just use OR to find tenant and do all paperwork independently.
I do understand where you’re coming from I guess I never really thought of it from a LL’s pov, but appreciate the insight. I’m gonna send it and just be wary when it comes to any payments.
I sincerely hope it’s a nice LL like yourself and a couple of others I’ve seen on here that take the time to respond and explain things etc for us less knowledgable/experienced individuals.
If you ever have rentals in London . . . Please let me know! Haha.
I do not Understand why the LL is asking for your What’a App/telephone number, or email address, when he can get these immediately off your OR enquiry to his ad.
He would just have to click “agree to terms and conditions”, to request your contact details.
I often request these contact details and telephone the prospective tenant, to see how serious an applicant they are and provisionally book a time for them to do a viewing.
There are so many “Sunday shoppers” in this new “normal” market of prospective tenants, who do not get back to you, possibly because my “auto response” insists on a guarantor, who owns property in England or Wales.