Renting a house... do you think this is fair?

Question

I saw my dream house, I've got the money for the rent and deposit, and I know I can afford it... but the agent is taking character references for all the applicants and is going to choose who he 'likes' best to get the house... is this fair/ethical? Surely they should give the house to the first person to confirm they want it and hand over the deposit etc?

I understand them asking for bank references, but I feel that kind of picking and choosing is unfair - I am a student with 2 jobs who has worked extremely hard to get myself into a better situation, my empoyer doesn't give references, and the other person who could give me a reference is on holiday! They are going to give the house to one of the working couples who both have jobs because it 'looks' better.

I'm gutted... do you think this is right? Or should it be first to the post?

Answer 1

There are certain things a landlord cannot base their renting decisions on. They cannot base it on Race, Religion, Age, Sex or Sexual Orientation etc, of the persons renting.

That said, the landlord has the ability to rent to those people who they think are the most responsible and reliable people out there. Most good landlords learn to make a thorough check of prospective tenants, including personal an professional references as well as past landlords, to find out if there is any history which might cause them to doubt your responsibility.

Remember, it may be a rental to you, but the owner is signing over the well being of a very expensive asset that belongs to them so that you can live in, and potentially party in, smoke in, do drugs in and otherwise destroy on him if he choses the next renter badly. So yes, he has the right to chose a renter based on their perception of your responsibility,

Answer 2

Fair Housing protects if you have been discriminated against for several specific reasons. (Race, ethnic, religion, familial status etc...) It does not protect against all discrimination.

If the landlord "likes" people because they are the same race as he or she is that would be discrimination. If (for example) they are going to take applications for a two week period and try and pick the applicant that seems best financially then that may very well be legal.

I own some house that I rent out. I always look for references. I want to know that the people will likely leave the place in good condition and likely pay their rent on time. You can't really tell either one of those just by looking at someones bank account.

Answer 3

Getting those references is not only fair it is smart. The seller is looking for the best fit, not necessarily the person he/she likes the best. Many things come out with references and who wants to be stuck with a person who might appear sweet on the outside, but when you really get to know them is only out to sue you. If you have good character, you should have nothing to worry about. Character tells a lot about a person and how they will take care of your property. Three cheers for the person who owns the house. It would be stupid to do anything less than she/he is doing. An owner will always pick and choose whether they tell you that or not. It is their right to do so as long as they don't single you out b/c of race, gender, etc.
To Top Contributor Mary B. Shame on you! Always claim victim, right???? The question asker didn't mention any of this so why even go there. What the house owner is doing is perfectly legal.

Answer 4

Of course it is fair! A landlord has to consider that he will pay for any damage to the property and can also be held accountable for his tenant's actions. If you owned a property, would you rent it to the first drug addicted, alcoholic, disease ridden scumbag that came to you with a deposit that he had just robbed somebody for? I would doubt it! References are there to determine a persons character, honesty and integrity etc. The more stable, honest and decent the person, the less likely it is that the property owner will have to shell out £1,000s (or thousands of dollars) to repair his house. Also, it is less likely that a neighbour will sue the landlord for putting the neighbour and / or his property at risk etc. If you are hard working, decent and honest, you have a good chance. As for your employer, if your employer can't be decent enough to give references for employees / former employees, find another job. Unless your employer has something to hide, there is no reason why your employer should screw your life up for no good reason. Most employers will insist on a reference from your current or latest employer. Without that reference, most employers would not consider you for a job. Get a decent employer, one that support it's workers rather than hinders them. In the meantime, why not get your parents to apply for the house and you pay the rent?

Answer 5

I am afraid that it is fair- references are an important part of the selection process and if you cannot provide adequately at this time then its just the way it goes- yes it sucks. But you are way too young to be worrying about dream houses- a roof over your head in this present climate should be all you shoud be worrying about. Dream homes come way down the line in real life. Infact- there is no such thing as a dream home when renting- it is always owned by a greedy landlord who can turn your world upside in a matter of minutes if he/she so desires!!

Answer 6

As a landlord, this is not unusual. I would certainly pick and choose who rents my place based on how strong there application is. If your not being discriminating against race, origin or creed, then there isn't a problem.

As far as references go, I wouldn't call any, I would ask for them in writing, you really don't know who you are talking to on the other end and some people are ALWAYS trying to get around something.

Answer 7

It is totally up to the landlord/agents. It is like applying for a job - the company will take references, and hire who they like best and who they think they can trust to do a good job. Landlords are protecting their assets (house) so want the best tenant.

That does suck though - and I've never heard of an employer who doesn't give references, that just isn't right

Answer 8

The agents job is to protect the owners which is why they hired him in the first place. We rented out a few times and some people gave a good first impression and only turn out to be nightmares. Fair would be to check you out first and if your references check out ok, give you the place.

Answer 9

Understand your plight, but as a landlord I have to admit I would probably short list people in a similar way. However, given what you have said, I think I should reconsider for the future. I have my fingers crossed you get the property - perhaps a word with the agency might put you in good stead. Good luck.

Answer 10

I know it is unfair to you..but if i was renting my property, and it was between students and couples, I would not choose students. Students have a reputation of partying hard. It may not apply to you personally but I do understand the landlords logic.