How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
Feb 1st 2009, 3:51 pm
#1
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How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
I'm currently living in the Bahamas but 3 years ago I moved to Manchester and lived there for 1 year.
When I first got there I had a very hard time finding somewhere to rent. Landlords were reluctant to rent to me as I had no job. And to get a job I needed a UK address. It was a catch 22 situation. I found it very hard getting out of the hostel I was staying in.
Finally I was able to give the hostels address (just gave the street address etc) and get a job. Then I was able to get somewhere long term to live. Then I had to open a bank account in order to get paid..well thats another story.
But my main question is ...what do landlords require from a tenant?
Thanks.
When I first got there I had a very hard time finding somewhere to rent. Landlords were reluctant to rent to me as I had no job. And to get a job I needed a UK address. It was a catch 22 situation. I found it very hard getting out of the hostel I was staying in.
Finally I was able to give the hostels address (just gave the street address etc) and get a job. Then I was able to get somewhere long term to live. Then I had to open a bank account in order to get paid..well thats another story.
But my main question is ...what do landlords require from a tenant?
Thanks.
Feb 1st 2009, 8:33 pm
#2
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
Depends on where you want to live. Got any ideas?
Feb 2nd 2009, 6:21 pm
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Feb 2nd 2009, 6:55 pm
#4
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
Money talks... offer a few months rent up front and suddenly a lot of the supposed obstacles will disappear...
Feb 2nd 2009, 6:57 pm
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Feb 2nd 2009, 11:55 pm
#7
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
In my experience renting in Australia is vastly easier than in the UK.
To rent in the UK these days, certainly through an agent, you will be subjected to more vetting than a mortgage applicant, it's very intrusive, almost ridiculously so IMO. The last place i rented had to get credit checks, employment checks, 2 personal referees and bank checks - a letter from the bank manager stating that in their opinion I was able to service the rental amount every month. And then they charge you 250 pounds for this pleasure.
It's pretty informal in Australia, no credit checks and rarely do they follow up and check references either. There is supposedly a national tenancy database which you get blacklisted on if you don't pay rent/get evicted/damage a house etc but you won't be on that being new to Australia.
To rent in the UK these days, certainly through an agent, you will be subjected to more vetting than a mortgage applicant, it's very intrusive, almost ridiculously so IMO. The last place i rented had to get credit checks, employment checks, 2 personal referees and bank checks - a letter from the bank manager stating that in their opinion I was able to service the rental amount every month. And then they charge you 250 pounds for this pleasure.
It's pretty informal in Australia, no credit checks and rarely do they follow up and check references either. There is supposedly a national tenancy database which you get blacklisted on if you don't pay rent/get evicted/damage a house etc but you won't be on that being new to Australia.
Feb 3rd 2009, 12:17 am
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
Feb 3rd 2009, 12:57 am
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
In my experience renting in Australia is vastly easier than in the UK.
To rent in the UK these days, certainly through an agent, you will be subjected to more vetting than a mortgage applicant, it's very intrusive, almost ridiculously so IMO. The last place i rented had to get credit checks, employment checks, 2 personal referees and bank checks - a letter from the bank manager stating that in their opinion I was able to service the rental amount every month. And then they charge you 250 pounds for this pleasure.
It's pretty informal in Australia, no credit checks and rarely do they follow up and check references either. There is supposedly a national tenancy database which you get blacklisted on if you don't pay rent/get evicted/damage a house etc but you won't be on that being new to Australia.
To rent in the UK these days, certainly through an agent, you will be subjected to more vetting than a mortgage applicant, it's very intrusive, almost ridiculously so IMO. The last place i rented had to get credit checks, employment checks, 2 personal referees and bank checks - a letter from the bank manager stating that in their opinion I was able to service the rental amount every month. And then they charge you 250 pounds for this pleasure.
It's pretty informal in Australia, no credit checks and rarely do they follow up and check references either. There is supposedly a national tenancy database which you get blacklisted on if you don't pay rent/get evicted/damage a house etc but you won't be on that being new to Australia.
wow that sounds almost like what I had to go through to get a bank account in the UK!
Feb 3rd 2009, 12:58 am
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Feb 3rd 2009, 1:26 am
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
The example they gave was $400 per week becoming $1738 per month.
I think the logic is for the amount to be a fixed amount paid monthly based on an agreed rate weekly. Above example was on 12 month lease - it might be different on 6 months
Weekly Rate 400 400
Daily 57 57
Annual (365 days) /6 months (182 days) 20,857 10,400
Monthly 1,738 1,733
Months 12 6
Total Payable 20,857 10,400
Feb 3rd 2009, 1:55 am
#12
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
I think someone mentioned they divide by 7 multiply by 365 then divide by 12?
The example they gave was $400 per week becoming $1738 per month.
I think the logic is for the amount to be a fixed amount paid monthly based on an agreed rate weekly. Above example was on 12 month lease - it might be different on 6 months
Weekly Rate 400 400
Daily 57 57
Annual (365 days) /6 months (182 days) 20,857 10,400
Monthly 1,738 1,733
Months 12 6
Total Payable 20,857 10,400
The example they gave was $400 per week becoming $1738 per month.
I think the logic is for the amount to be a fixed amount paid monthly based on an agreed rate weekly. Above example was on 12 month lease - it might be different on 6 months
Weekly Rate 400 400
Daily 57 57
Annual (365 days) /6 months (182 days) 20,857 10,400
Monthly 1,738 1,733
Months 12 6
Total Payable 20,857 10,400
Feb 3rd 2009, 4:47 am
#13
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
If you offer the average landlord 6 months rent up front, you are 99% certain to get the property.
I suggest you move south to NSW, and rent mine
Only $7,250 for 6 months up front.
Feb 3rd 2009, 2:30 pm
#14
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
I only need a 1 bedroom apt.
But yeah I can pay 1 year upfront if I want so this is very good news. thanks.
Feb 3rd 2009, 6:58 pm
#15
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Re: How hard is it to rent compared to the UK?
Is it usual for them to take a few days to respond to e-mail requests (via their own site, direct e-mail, and also tried a third party site).
Might try courier pigeon next