More good news this week. I have been talking to The National Student (the monthly free newspaper that is circulated to all the Uni's in the UK) and they may be interested in me doing a regular 'tenants collumn' . Great news as that means the book and website will be publicised to thousands more young tenants. Also had some interest from a couple of radio stations for phone ins and other websites wanting input. Could be a fun time me thinks - not sure how I'll find the time to work for a living but as the mortgage company are insisting I'll just have to try!

First-Time-Tenant

And the prize goes to - the lady with the curly hair! Yesterday we checked out a house where the carpets had just been steam cleaned. During the check out the tenant started vacuuming in the lounge - nervous reaction I think, if the place is a tip sometimes tenants like to look busy.... Anyway there she was, hoovering nicely when she said 'oh look there's water coming out of the vacuum cleaner!' She was mesmerised and just kept on hoovering the carpet regardless of the threat to life and limb. The quick thinking check out clerk kicked off the power - wearing rubber soled shoes of course just in case, after all she's not insured for that kind of thing - obviously the tenants mum didn't tell her that water and electricity don't mix, you'll only end up with curly hair and a nasty singe - that is if you wake up at all of course!

I was asked to pop round to inspect a house a while ago and had arranged to meet the landlords and the tenants there too. The place was an old three storey property, a bit run down but the tenants were quite happy as the rent is cheap and they are all students. We all wandered around the house chatting and eventually went into the garden which was so overgrown that the poor landlord - a tiny elderley lady - almost disappeared in the undergrowth.

I opened the side door of the garage and a lovely herbal smell wafted out. Inside I found the whole place full of cannabis plants complete with protective plastic sheeting and a heating and water sprinkling system. Now, I have led a fairly sheltered life but I knew what was going on! The tenants were obviously supplementing their income with a little dealing on the side.

The landlady walked in and spotted the plants - who could miss them! She said 'ooh, someone's got green fingers...' The tenant looked at me and stuttered 'oh - they're not mine, they must belong to one of the others.'

Yeah right! I had to have a quiet word with the letting agent - not only is drug dealing illegal, but running a business from a rented property is in breach of the terms of the tenancy agreement!!

This blog is to enable me to share some of the funny stories I have come across whilst working in the Lettings industry. I hope that you find them useful as well as entertaining....