FabSwingers.com forum: Nosy or Necessary?

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I rent out a house I bought many years ago and received a letter from a local council asking me to give a reference as to how I rated a former tenant. She was no cause for concern whatsoever so was happy to fill in the reference.

But then got to a part asking me for the details of the rent I charged her. I fail to see how this information is of any significance so just wrote n/a.

Do you think potential landlords need to know the information of past rental agreements. If so, why?

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By *etillanteWoman
over a year ago

It always annoys me when asked whats your household income

My answer

Would you mind telling me yours?

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By *iceguydaveMan
over a year ago

Monmouth

There might be a need to establish that the tenant was in a position to pay regularly, I guess - though even if they were in the past, it wouldn't necessarily mean they still can now! Seems a bit nosey to me - maybe they're sounding out what they think the poor beggars can afford!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"It always annoys me when asked whats your household income

My answer

Would you mind telling me yours?"

Yeah well thats market research a lot of the time, same as when buying car insurance they ask you your home insurance renewal date. A case of don't want to tell - but on an official council reference form I fail to see the significance of knowing what rent she paid.

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By *edhotminxWoman
over a year ago

Turn left at the Singing Ringing Tree

I suppose they are trying to gauge whether the tenant is able to afford a 'said' amount of rent.

However, like you, I think it's no-one's business but your own. I always refuse to answer any questions that I believe have no relevance whatsoever to whichever information they are trying to find out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A quick but not foolproof way of ascertaining the level of rent she was used to meeting ....

I'd do what you do ... refuse to say.

Put £3,500 weekly .....it's just as helpful but more light hearted.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"There might be a need to establish that the tenant was in a position to pay regularly, I guess - though even if they were in the past, it wouldn't necessarily mean they still can now! Seems a bit nosey to me - maybe they're sounding out what they think the poor beggars can afford!"

She was employed and in a good job when she rented from me and still is as far as I know. Plus the other questions asked if she paid a deposit, if it was repaid to her when she left and if she owed any outstanding rent - I think that suffices the financial section.

If she had any wild parties she didn't damn well invite me!!! lol

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"A quick but not foolproof way of ascertaining the level of rent she was used to meeting ....

I'd do what you do ... refuse to say.

Put £3,500 weekly .....it's just as helpful but more light hearted."

awww granny I've posted it back now - but tempting!!!

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By *ezebelWoman
over a year ago

North of The Wall - youll need your vest

Plus the other questions asked if she paid a deposit, if it was repaid to her when she left and if she owed any outstanding rent - I think that suffices the financial section.

I agree thats all they should need to know.

Drives me crazy when people ask for all this personal info...

I had a 'debate' in the dry cleaners the other week - they wouldnt take my coat to be cleaned because I wouldnt give them my mobile telephone number - my name and address wouldnt suffice apparently...

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