Things Tenants Say vs What They Actually Mean

Unofficial First 4 Lettings translation guide

“We really like it, we just want to have a look at a few more.”

Translation:
We like it, but we're not quite ready to commit.

This is completely normal.

Renting a property is a big decision, and most tenants want to compare their options before making a decision.

The problem is that a property can disappear from the market while someone is still deciding.

If you genuinely like somewhere, it's worth finding out exactly what the application process involves rather than assuming you can always come back to it later.

“Is the landlord flexible on the rent?”

Translation:
We like the property, but we'd like to pay less.

Again, completely fair question.

But if a property has been correctly priced based on the current market, there may not be much room to negotiate.

Tenants will naturally try their luck — and landlords are perfectly entitled to decide whether they want to accept an offer.

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes it's a firm no.

And sometimes the tenant decides they would rather pay the asking rent than lose the property.

“We'll definitely apply tonight.”

Translation:
We intend to apply tonight... but there is a reasonable chance life gets in the way.

We've all been there.

You've found the property you want, you're going to apply as soon as you get home — then dinner happens, work gets in the way, you forget, or you start looking at another property.

From an agent's perspective, until an application has actually been submitted, it's difficult to treat an intention to apply as anything more than that.

If you've found the property you want, getting your application completed promptly can save a lot of disappointment.

“We're just waiting for our guarantor.”

Translation:
The property is probably still our first choice, but there is another person who needs to do something.

The tenant might be ready to go.

Their guarantor, however, might not have checked their emails.

Or they're at work.

Or they're on holiday.

Or they've said they'll “do it later”.

And suddenly the application that was supposed to take an hour takes three days.

This is why having everyone involved in the application ready to respond can make the process considerably quicker.

“Can we just move in a couple of days early?”

Translation:
We've booked the van and we're really hoping you'll say yes.

This one comes up more often than you might think.

Unfortunately, moving dates aren't always as simple as moving a date on a calendar.

There may be an existing tenancy, cleaning, maintenance, inventory arrangements, legal requirements or rent calculations to consider.

Sometimes an earlier move-in is possible.

Sometimes it isn't.

It never hurts to ask — but don't book the removal van before you've had confirmation.

And then there are the landlords...

Of course, tenants aren't the only ones who have their own unofficial language.

We've been doing this long enough to have developed a translation guide for landlords too.

“The property down the road gets £1,300.”

Translation:
I would really like my property to achieve £1,300.

And sometimes it absolutely can.

But the property down the road might have a different number of bedrooms, better parking, a newer kitchen, a garden, better presentation or simply be in a slightly different position.

Rental values are about comparison.

The question isn't just:

“What rent do I want?”

It's:

“What are tenants currently prepared to pay for this particular property?”

“Let's just try it at £1,250 and see what happens.”

Translation:
I know you're advising me to price it lower, but I'd like to test the market.

There's nothing wrong with testing the market.

But the market usually gives you an answer fairly quickly.

If a property generates plenty of enquiries and viewings, that's useful information.

If it sits there with very little interest while comparable properties are letting, that's useful information too.

The important thing is being prepared to listen to it.

“It's only been on for a week.”

Translation:
I don't want to talk about reducing the rent yet.

Fair enough.

One week doesn't necessarily tell you very much.

A property can take time to find the right tenant, particularly where it appeals to a more specific type of renter.

But if the same feedback keeps coming back over several weeks, it's worth looking at what that feedback is telling you.

“The tenant said they're definitely going to look after it.”

Translation:
I really like this applicant and I'm hoping they're as good as they seem.

And this is exactly why referencing exists.

A friendly conversation with a prospective tenant is important, but it isn't a substitute for properly checking affordability, employment, credit history and previous rental information.

You hope the tenant will be excellent.

Then you do the checks to make sure the application stacks up.

The thing is...