‘Offers over’ moves into rental market
A LANDLORD has taken the unusual step of trying to start a bidding war over a rented property.
Chris Rigby, 32, has refused to set a fixed monthly rent for his cottage. Instead, he’s going down the route usually taken by sellers and is advertising the property, on Aberdeen’s Footdee, at “offers over 900″.
However, the move last night raised fears that it might spark a new trend among landlords,
with critics describing the idea as “absolutely ridiculous and completely unfair”.
Aberdeen is now one of the most expensive cities in the UK to buy a home, with prices just slightly below London.
Many first-time buyers are thus forced to rent, with the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom property rising from around 689 to 805 in the last 12 months.
Mr Rigby believes prospective tenants will jump at the chance to rent the recently refurbished cottage and hopes to capitalise on the booming rental market.
He said: “I want to get as much money from the property as possible. I don’t want to put it on the market too cheap, so I’m offering people the chance to bid for the lease. If tenants really want it they’re going to have to pay for it.”
Denise Merson, from the Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre, said she was surprised because the plan places the emphasis on cash instead of finding a quality tenant.
“Most landlords are looking for good tenants who will care for the property and pay their rent on time.
“They’re more interested in solid tenants than simply trying to get a few extra pounds every month.”
Becky Adam, who hunted for a house for more than a year before eventually sending out letters begging people to sell to her, was appalled by the move.
She said: “This is absolutely ridiculous. It’s completely unfair and is just going to pile the pressure on people who are struggling to find somewhere to live.
“First-time buyers are having a hard enough time getting on the property ladder, so forcing them to bid for a rental property is unbelievable.”
Emma Leiper, from Aberdeen University’s information and advice centre, said an increasing number of people are approaching the service.
She said: “Although most private landlords are sympathetic to potential people who are taking advantage of the housing crisis.
“They want to make as much money as possible from vulnerable tenants.”
