Updating post from Reddit.
It comes with the territory, but I’m sick and tired of making hour long round trips for viewings, only for people to not turn up, even after confirming on the day.
Today, someone confirmed an hour before their viewing, only to ignore my calls when I arrived. Three hours later, they rang and asked me to come back. When I questioned them, they claimed they were stuck in traffic which I simply don’t believe. I suggested that if they wanted me to return, they’d need to cover my travel costs, though I’m sure that probably falls foul of the Tenant Fees Act.
I understand that life sometimes gets in the way, but sending a quick text takes seconds, and most of the time, I don’t believe the excuses anyway.
Apologies if this sounds like a rant, but I’m reaching the end of my tether. How do others handle this?
Edit: To also ask how you avoid it in the first place? The viewings are basically a verbal agreement for each party to turn up. At worst I've had occasions where I've had hour long breaks between the first and last viewing because so many don't bother turning up and I'm just sat twiddling my thumbs.
100% sack then off
If I'm honest anyone that's more than 15 minutes late for a viewing is a sloppy person and unless you have zero other options they'll be a shit bet
Agree with this. I used to work in an office where the sales manager would hire people on a regular basis. People invited to interview would often be late as parking was nightmare. They would often show up late to the interview apologising and say they are here to interview and he would say the interview was at the set time not after and then ask them to go in front of the whole office. If he is late to the interview they will be late to client meetings, same logic applies.
Yes very good example
I work in London and the tradesmen are like "maaaate you would not believe the traffic"
And I'm like ... Yes I would I was also born here
I use OpenRent and I do 2 specific viewing days (one weekend daytime and one weekday evening) and schedule people at 30 minute intervals. I don’t do viewings outside those times, and if anyone doesn’t show then it’s not a disaster. But my property is urban in a high demand area, so I rarely have to do a third viewing time.
2x block viewing, 1 in an evening, 1 on a weekend. Spaced 15 mins apart. If someone no shows it’s no big deal.
Advertise for at least a week prior saying you are doing viewings on a certain date in 15 minute slots. We then send a three separate messages pleading to folks that missed viewings are missed opportunities for others to see the property and essentially not be dicks (though it’s worded nicely). Reminder the day before saying their viewing will be cancelled if they don’t reconfirm. Still get roughly 2 no shoes per block of viewings - we just those times as our lunch time/coffee and or deliberation times.
If someone can't arrive at a pre-arranged time then they absolutely can't be trusted to pay rent every month. Just find someone else who isn't a rocket
This is why it’s said you should live within 30 minutes of your properties
I do live within 30 minutes of my properties but it's still an hour round trip I'm wasting and that's without sitting in traffic too.
I typically ask existing tenants to host viewings. We agree on an evening when they will be able to host them. I schedule people in 15 minute increments. There is usually an offer on the same evening.
In my experience, when people know there is competition they get their shit together and show up. If not, they know the flag will be gone.
Showing up 3 hours late is a massive red flag for me. If nothing more sinister, these people will be a pain in the butt to deal with, so good to know early and avoid renting to them!
I had this so much when I used openrent I think people just arrange viewings for a laugh and never actually want to turn up. Probably one of the anti landlord brigade on here.