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Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- Just Received The Worst Tenant Application EVER (Part 4)

Written by The Landlord on 07 Aug 2008

Bad Tenants

The other day I think I received, what I believe to be, the worst application to be a tenant, EVER. The process of finding a tenant is a very much two way thing. It’s not always the tenants that do the denying, it’s also quite common for Landlords to refuse applicants. And that’s exactly what I did- denied access to this particular applicant. Why? Because this is how she introduced herself to me…

hi i was interested in the house you want to rent out, thing is i need to know if you accept dss. iv been living with my mum since December 27th with my two young daughters because there dad chucked us out so need to get them in a home asap please reply thanx [insert name]

Fucking unbelievable, yet extremely amusing, right? Any sane landlord wouldn’t even give this girl a chance. Some might say it’s unfair and that i’m discriminating, I say “good business sense”. The thing about finding good tenants is that it’s all about odds. For example, the odds of getting less trouble off an employed professional worker compared to a single mother on benefits are extremely high. Of course, that won’t always be the case, but it’s safer to stick with the better odds. More explained over at The Best And Worst Tenants

Whilst the applicant sounds like a nice girl, and while I can honestly somewhat sympathise with her situation, the fact still remains that her situation is far from desirable for a landlord (even a desperate one that’s about to get repossessed). She has all the characteristics of a typical Essex chav that had one too many sips of a Snirnoff Ice and ended up with a few snot faced kids.

If she had half a brain, she wouldn’t have told me her unfortunate situation, at least that way I would have given her a chance. What she did was on the same par as me applying for a job with the cover letter saying

My last boss fired me, so I’ve been working as a pimp ever since. But I want a proper job, so I thought I would apply.

Also, as part of my package, i’d like a 5min break every 45mins so I can ejaculate in the toilets.

Hardly appealing, right?

I don’t deal with DSS tenants anymore. I’ve had enough trouble from them in the past. Before anyone jumps down my throat, it has nothing to do with the individuals claiming benefits, they could be nice as pie for all care. My dislike is more towards the whole payment system that the government has arranged- it’s fucking ridiculous. I’ve already ranted and raved about why I dislike DSS tenants over at DSS Tenants And The Council.

Here’s a more precise list of reasons why I refused her application:

I don’t deal with DSS tenants, as explained
She’ll most likely have to pay a shortfall each month. I wouldn’t trust her to pay, especially since she has a few mouths to feed
She’s an unemployed single mother with 2 kids
Her partner left her. There must be something wrong with her, right?
If her partner decides to make a surprise return, there could be trouble i.e broken walls/windows
I’m sure I could find someone with better credentials.

Anyways, if you’re looking for a place to rent, think hard about how you sell yourself to the Landlord. In a booming rental market, Landlords can afford to be picky.

All articles in this experiment

Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- A Live Experiment (Part 1)
Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- An Update (Part 2)
Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- An Update – A Smelly Cat & A Slight Change Of Plan (Part 3)
Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- Just Received The Worst Tenant Application EVER (Part 4)
Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- Mission Accomplished (Part 5)

Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- An Update – A Smelly Cat & A Slight Change Of Plan (Part 3)

How Landlords Can Advertise Rentals On Rightmove

Finding Tenants Using A Letting Agent

Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- A Live Experiment (Part 1)

Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- An Update (Part 2)

Finding Tenants Without A Letting Agent- Mission Accomplished (Part 5)

6 Comments - join the conversation...

laura knight2008-08-11 06:50:32 lol hah what was that girl thinking? I wouldn't have given her a chance either. That sounds like trouble from the word go 1

The Single Mother2008-08-14 09:20:16 Whilst I understand your comments and difficulties with DSS, I would like to stick up for single mothers with two children who claim benefits. I was happily married with two beautiful children. My husband went off with someone else (nothing wrong with me?). I had previously had an exceptionally good career with good salary but was at home looking after the children. When he left I had no choice but to turn to the government for help. They help fully now and until the children are in full time school it is not financially viable to work (the childrens dad leaving and then their mother disappears for hours on end - unsettling?) This is awful. I grew up well had a private education have never claimed benefits before in my life!!!! Once the children go to school I will get back to work and will be ok again!!! But I am nice, clean, have good manners and do not cause any problems! It has been hard to come to terms with how I ended up like this because of the stigma. Thanks for listening! Hey to all the single moms that had no choice and HATE their situations!!! xx 2

The Landlord2008-08-14 11:07:01 Hey Single Mother,

I completely understand your situation and do sympathise. I've experienced both good and bad times with DSS tenants, just as I’ve had good and bad experiences with fully employed working professionals.

I have no problem with DSS tenants as individuals. I just really don't like the way the government handles the system.

Anyways, this article wasn't intended to make DSS tenants look bad. It was merely demonstrating how not to apply for tenancy. There's no need to drag personal circumstances into the applications.

I hope things work out for you. Good luck.

Kind regards. 3

The Single Mother2008-08-14 11:13:19 Hey

Sorry I didn't want to sound all PC!! I totally understand I would stay well clear of DSS from a business prospective!! The system is a nightmare and alot of the tenants do unfortunately ruin it for the few that are cool!! Like me - lol. I dunno I just felt better for airing it!!!

Anyway, enjoyed reading your site! Giving me inspiration to go into property instead of conventional route again!!! Life is about living and taking risks!!!

Thanks

The Cool Single Mother!! :) 4

The Landlord2008-08-14 13:30:17 Ha, I didn't think you were coming off as all PC, don't worry. I completely appreciated and understood everything you said.

Yeah, life is def about taking risks. You should buy 10 houses and get snowed under in debt :)

Out of curiosity, what was your previous profession?

"Cool single mother"...hmmm...I've seen your name and number in phoneboxes all over the UK. Been tempted to call many times hah 5

The Single Mother2008-08-14 14:25:09 Errr must have been another 'cool single mother'!! I worked in the Criminal Justice System! Anyway thanks for listening good luck with your venture! 6