Hello. We are first time landlords with a flat in London listed at the moment. We have had a lot of enquiries from tenants who are on universal credit. Rightly or wrongly this raises a few flags. On meeting them they seem like they’ll be good tenants but I find it hard to see how they could afford the rent with bills on top given the costs are hard enough to cover working full time. Has anyone been in this situation and could tell me if they should be considered any different from tenants who earn a full time salary.
In addition we had an enquiry from someone saying he runs a corporate letting company. The arrangement sounds a bit too good to be true so I am sceptical. Had anyone had experience renting to similar companies. Thank you.
So, to your second question. Search here and you get the answer. There has been quite a few topics about it.
Considering the first question: you shouldn’t. For most of London (private) property the Housing allowance is woefully low. Do NOT believe them when they say things that they will pay the rest of the rent with their own money. What money?
If you are considering such tenants in London then go through the council and get a golden handshake, guaranteed rent and commitment to repair if damaged.
However, unless your property is in a bad state or you charge too much rent you’ll let it out easily.
Go withyour gut feeling “I find it hard to see how they could afford…” You have answerred your own question. Always be a sceptical if something seems to be too good to be true
I agree totally. Once the property on market this corporate lets type will seek your. I make it clear in my screening questions do not bother, yet they still come through pretending it’s just for them. I’d say go with your your gut feel. I use openrent as I can save money but still do everything by the book. Somehow people think that we will accept anyone without the right credentials.