Prospective tenants are resorting to desperate measures to secure rental properties, it has been reported. Rents have soared by up to 14% in the last year as people return to the cities following the end of pandemic restrictions. Boris Johnson last week announced that low-paid workers will be able to use income from benefits to buy a council house, but critics say he needs to do more to help young professionals. With three prospective tenants for each available property, prospective tenants are taking steps to stand out from the crowd. Some are sending their CVs to landlords with pictures of them enjoying wholesome hobbies. Richard Davies, Head of Lettings at at Chestertons, says: "Tenants are doing all they can to try and secure a property. You typically get CVs showing a happy family or a couple with an adorable cat, as if to say, ‘Please take us, feel sorry for us’.” Mr Davies said around 10% now send a “smiley and happy” photo CV, adding that it was popular to mention a love of cooking or baking. Some landlords are put off renting to people with pets, so those with them emphasise an emotional backstory of their beloved animal. “If you say you've got a rescue mongrel you might pull on the heartstrings of some landlords as opposed to a designer dog that you've paid £3,000 for,” said Mr Davies.
Daily Mail
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