From: JF 
Newsgroups: uk.finance
Subject: Re: Effects of house crash on economy
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2004 23:52:47 +0100

In message , Andy Pandy 
 writes

>I guess these figures won't show people who move house but instead of selling
>their old house, rent it out. I know quite a few people who've done 
>this. When I
>moved in 1999 I considered it but decided against (bad move).

Certainly not such a good move now unless you're prepared to pay to have 
prospective tenants carefully vetted; references checked -- really 
checked. The numbers of smack heads, pushers, wastrels, Latvian call 
girls, rogues, illegals etc., clutching handfuls of housing benefit 
cheques, looking around for property to rent is quite unbelievable.

If the property overlooks a school playground or children's sports 
field, then it's a good idea to get tenants cleared by the police. If 
they see an ad for a property in a 'sensitive zone' then they'll be in 
touch with the agent provided the agent is local and known to them. So 
use a reputable local agent. Avoid 'DSS' applicants because local 
authorities tend not to care if they're trying to foist a convicted 
queer on a landlord.

The letting market has become a vicious jungle in the last ten years.

-- 
James Follett. Novelist. (G1LXP) http://www.jamesfollett.dswilliams.co.uk
"A Forest of Eagles" Severn House, June. Readings by Nigel Anthony of "Wicca"
in my The Silent Vulcan trilogy on BBC7 Saturdays 1840 with midnight repeat.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/drama/bestsellers.shtml