Updating post from Reddit.

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Posted by northern5673 2 weeks ago
Openrent enquiries observations

Hello all, I'm new here so please be kind! First time using openrent for a small property (north England) as have time to manage myself now- my observations so far:

  • as expected getting lots of requests for viewings. Even though I have used the advanced screening option, some answer those correctly but their story then contradicts the answers given which isn't helpful e.g. not in benefits, working part time on min wage but has monthly income of £2500
  • I had set up additional specific questions like whether they have a guarantor, employer references etc but a lot of them ignore, which makes me think they can't meet those requirements. As you get so many queries it can get time consuming too ask them to reply to the questions
  • interestingly majority (90%) of the enquiries I'm getting are from "single mums" with children...as there is a question of occupants and none of them mention a boyfriend, partner etc which is making me question whether they are being fully truthful, or we really have such large proportion of single mums

For those who have used openrent, have you had similar experience? How do you get to the point to shortlisting a few to arrange viewings?

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Posted by SocialMThrow 2 weeks ago

I do viewings first so I can meet them. After viewings if they are interested I send them an application form with every question I need answering.

If the form isn't filled out or isn't satisfactory then I decline them.

If form looks good then I ask for bank statements, payslips that match and go from there.

You will get a lot of "single" mothers that do have partners but do not disclose it because of the benefit situation. These will never pass the affordability on their lone income plus housing benefit.

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Posted by northern5673 2 weeks ago

Thanks for the info reg "single" mother's, makes sense now. Do you do viewings with all of the enquiries?! I guess must apply some filtering as there's too many

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Posted by SocialMThrow 2 weeks ago

I do all viewings depending on the quantity, I book them in 15min time slots and arrange them all together when possible.

You get a good idea of people when you meet them and if the application matches then you likely have a winner.

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Posted by northern5673 2 weeks ago

Thanks. I'll try do something similar and see how it goes. Really appreciate your responses

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Posted by SocialMThrow 2 weeks ago

You're welcome.

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Posted by ratscabs 2 weeks ago

You say you’ve got stacks of applicants, so you are spoiled for choice. You ask them your screening questions up front, and any who fail (including ignoring questions) get rejected. Anyone who lies; again, instant rejection. All this before viewings.

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Posted by northern5673 2 weeks ago

That's what I have done, narrowed down to five and arranged viewing. I'll need to ignore any new enquiries until I have done the five viewings now to keep things manageable. Thanks for your input.

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Posted by Old-Line2445 2 weeks ago

I’ve narrowed it down to 5 and none of them turn up

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Posted by northern5673 2 weeks ago

The way they're chasing me on openrent I'm hoping they will turn up! If not then I'll need to change my approach I guess

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