'Many tenants put off by misleading ads or poor viewings' - claim

A claim has been made that as many as 80 per cent of prospective tenants have been put off renting a property due to a misleading property advert or because of a bad experience when viewing the property.

An online agency questioned 33,000 tenants on what they wanted and expected when looking for a new rental, as well as the most ridiculous or misleading things that they had experienced in a property advert or during a viewing.

The agency, Upad, claims the results highlight a disconnect between what tenants want and what they are being given, especially when properties are allegedly “oversold” by agents. 

Particularly sensitive areas where tenants say they can feel deterred include the use of unappealing photos on details, and information which overstates the size of properties and in particular the bedrooms.

Other critical experiences include misleading descriptions - such as a bath, toilet and washing basin located in a bedroom being described as “en suite” - and the issue confronting one tenant when they went to visit what was called a “very private” property only to find it was built in the landlord’s garden. 

"These results show that not only are there still elements of overbearing and downright misleading salesmanship going on in the private rental market, but that tenants still aren't buying it” says Upad chief executive James Davis. 

“While there are large numbers of letting agents and landlords who do an exceptional job, I'd encourage anyone involved in renting out properties to consider their approach. By trying to oversell, all letting agents and landlords are doing is keeping properties empty for longer."