How to secure your flat in the competitive rental market: tips

Be fast and furious

Good flats get snapped momentarily. The moment you see a fresh ad matching your criteria coming up, immediately contact the lister and schedule the viewing at the earliest convenience. 

Be cautious with older ads

If you see a seemingly perfect flat being listed for too long, there are probably reasons for that. Often it means there is something wrong with the property (e.g. it doesn’t look like the pictures). There are exceptions, but generally it makes more sense to keep an eye on newer listings. 

Prepare a tenant CV

A non-essential, but helpful way of winning over the landlords. Compile a brief ‘CV’ about yourself or your family to showcase what makes you ideal tenants. Include information about your employment, lifestyle, and reasons for moving. Adding personal touches, like your interests or reasons for choosing the area, can also help. This CV can be sent electronically when making initial inquiries or handed over during viewings, especially when dealing directly with landlords. You can also use this CV with your estate agents – getting to know you better may give them an incentive to be more interested in helping you personally.

Check everything you can

Do your homework and check everything you can about the area and the type of property you are viewing beforehand. Onsite, ask the landlord any questions you may have left about the heating, thermal insulation, hot water, and other miscellaneous aspects that may dramatically impact your stay. 

Make the best offer

If you really like the flat, it may make sense to offer the landlords a little bit more on top of the expected rent (+£100-£200). This won’t guarantee you success, but may help shift the landlords’ sympathy towards your proposal. If the flat is really that great, it’ll be worth it in the long run.