Getting so frustrated trying to rent unsuccessfully in Dublin...

Sammyy24

Hi Guys,

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I lived in Dublin for years and last year I moved to my Dad's house in Galway.


A couple of weeks ago, I started working for a large tech company and the role is from home. My problem, is that I am on training, Monday-Friday, until January, with no option for time off, just our general Bank Holidays, Christmas etc.
I have since been trying to get back up to Dublin and have come across a lot of nice apartments, ( Just for myself ) in the 1200-1300 bracket.


My problem is, is that every single apartment has been holding viewings on weekdays, at the oddest times, I have tried talking to the people advertising them, about viewing on a weekend, just for 5 minutes and I just get "no". I asked if I could send someone to view it for me and "no". 
I have even been offering to move in without seeing the place, just going by the photos on Daft.ie and I get "no", I even went as far as to offer the deposit with 3 months rent in advance and I still get a no.

I have explained the role that I am in and it is for an extremely large, reputable company and it seems to make no difference.
I don't understand why this is so difficult. I have a good job, I'm a single professional female who will be living alone, no pets, can provide bank statements, references etc. but I just can't get a look in.


(It feels like the landlords don't want my money?! - "Shut up and take my money!")


I would really appreciate any advice you guys could give me,
Sincerely Fed Up 

Afroshack

You're better off living in one of the commuter belts and travelling into Dublin. Its much cheaper and less demand. I couldn't even get a viewing in Dublin until I handed over references and bank statements (this is for a viewing only) but in Newbridge I got offered two homes in one day. Or would you consider a flatshare?

Sammyy24

Well my new role is actually from home so fortunately I have no commute, but my issue is that I have the money to pay for rent in the city and it's not even the city centre that I am looking at.

It's Blanch, Lucan, Park West and the like but I still can't get anything. I don't get it, I'm offering a lot upfront.

As for the flat share, because I'll be working from home I just want to live alone.

dudara

Are you looking for a short term let only?

Sammyy24

Nope, preferably long-term and I say that to them too...:(

Afroshack

Could it be the working from home angle? Maybe they are worried about excess wear and tear if you're home all day.

Sammyy24

It hasn't been mentioned to me @Afroshack I can't imagine that would bother them though, would it? If I am just sat on a computer all day? Honestly can't get a gauge on the problem

AlmightyCushion

Afroshack wrote: »

Could it be the working from home angle? Maybe they are worried about excess wear and tear if you're home all day.

I doubt it's that. It's probably just because the landlords have loads of people able to view whenever it suits them so they're not bothered to go out of their way to arrange a viewing that suits the OP. It sucks but it's understandable.

The_Conductor

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

I doubt it's that. It's probably just because the landlords have loads of people able to view whenever it suits them so they're not bothered to go out of their way to arrange a viewing that suits the OP. It sucks but it's understandable.

+1
I was helping a work colleague who has a nice apartment in Lucan today.
He put up the add on DAFT at 10AM- and by 12.30PM decided to take down the add and turn off his phone altogether.
Landlords have their choice of tenants- and unfortunately- many tenants are happily offering 3 or even 6 months rent upfront. Despite what you might imagine- it doesn't distinguish you from any other punter.

I don't have an answer for you- simply an observation that while you're making an effort to sell yourself as a tenant to landlords- you're not doing anything that anyone else who is serious- isn't also doing.

Muahahaha

OP you could get all your documents in order and contact estate agents in the areas you want to live. Then offer them a finders fee if they can place you in an apartment. If the estate agent can make a fee off you and off the landlord it should help you jump the queue of suitable tenants.

You don't need to be in Dublin so why would you want to live there paying through the nose for rent?

Lia_lia

Damon Orange Keystone wrote: »

You don't need to be in Dublin so why would you want to live there paying through the nose for rent?

My thoughts exactly!

But I guess some people like Dublin.

awec

Damon Orange Keystone wrote: »

You don't need to be in Dublin so why would you want to live there paying through the nose for rent?

A single professional female who works for a large tech company, it doesn't take a genius to understand why she wants to live in Dublin.

OP - unfortunately you may be stuck until you can be a bit more flexible. Maybe tough it out until January.

jimmycrackcorm

Lia_lia wrote:

My thoughts exactly!

Me too. Sounds pointless to live up in Dublin just to work from home.

But Op, if you're determined then do a house share temporarily until you can get an opportunity to get your own place. Maybe just be patient.

Sammyy24

Thanks for the replies guys.


I want to live in Dublin because I lived there for years, I enjoy living there, I'm familiar with it and all of my friends are there, I don't know anyone in the countryside.
With a house share, I feel that I am at an age now where I have a good career, earn ok-ish money and I want to live alone. If I'm willing to pay for it, I don't understand the problem.


My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.


I have been in talks with estate agents in Dublin and have given them all my details but never hear anything back.

I don't understand landlords, if they don't want the effort of viewing's and having to deal with 100's of people lining up and annoying them, would it not be handy for them to have a single professional woman, with advance rent, deposit and all paperwork in order, willing to move in when it suits them?


They are telling me to jump and I'm saying how high and it never leads anywhere...

Sammyy24

awec wrote: »

Damon Orange Keystone wrote: »

You don't need to be in Dublin so why would you want to live there paying through the nose for rent?

A single professional female who works for a large tech company, it doesn't take a genius to understand why she wants to live in Dublin.

OP - unfortunately you may be stuck until you can be a bit more flexible. Maybe tough it out until January.

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I think you might be right awec.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Might just have to tough it out until next year when I can book some time off, but even with time off, it's difficult to get any viewings that will suit both myself and the landlord.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Just sucks that I have been here over a year and have been looking for months.[/font]

Sammyy24

The_Conductor wrote: »

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

I doubt it's that. It's probably just because the landlords have loads of people able to view whenever it suits them so they're not bothered to go out of their way to arrange a viewing that suits the OP. It sucks but it's understandable.

+1
I was helping a work colleague who has a nice apartment in Lucan today.
He put up the add on DAFT at 10AM- and by 12.30PM decided to take down the add and turn off his phone altogether.
Landlords have their choice of tenants- and unfortunately- many tenants are happily offering 3 or even 6 months rent upfront. Despite what you might imagine- it doesn't distinguish you from any other punter.

I don't have an answer for you- simply an observation that while you're making an effort to sell yourself as a tenant to landlords- you're not doing anything that anyone else who is serious- isn't also doing.

I don't suppose your colleague is looking for a single professional for his apartment in Lucan by any chance? :P ha

AlmightyCushion

Sammyy24 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys.


I want to live in Dublin because I lived there for years, I enjoy living there, I'm familiar with it and all of my friends are there, I don't know anyone in the countryside.
With a house share, I feel that I am at an age now where I have a good career, earn ok-ish money and I want to live alone. If I'm willing to pay for it, I don't understand the problem.


My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.


I have been in talks with estate agents in Dublin and have given them all my details but never hear anything back.

I don't understand landlords, if they don't want the effort of viewing's and having to deal with 100's of people lining up and annoying them, would it not be handy for them to have a single professional woman, with advance rent, deposit and all paperwork in order, willing to move in when it suits them?


They are telling me to jump and I'm saying how high and it never leads anywhere...

In fairness, I don't think I'd rent it out without at least meeting the prospective tenant first. It sucks for you but I can understand where the landlords are coming from here. While you might be an ideal tenant because you have advance rent, deposit, all your paperwork in order and you're willing to move in when it suits them, there are plenty of other people in a similar situation.

If I were you I'd get something temporary until January and once you finish training start looking again except then you'll be able to be more flexible when it comes to viewings so should hopefully find it a bit easier. Best of luck with it regardless.

PhoenixParker

Sammyy24 wrote: »

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I think you might be right awec.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Might just have to tough it out until next year when I can book some time off, but even with time off, it's difficult to get any viewings that will suit both myself and the landlord.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Just sucks that I have been here over a year and have been looking for months.[/font]

Once youre done training book yourself a short stay apartment in Dublin for a week or two. Move up and work from there and you can readily do viewings in the evening and at weekends.

Henbabani

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Sammyy24 wrote: »

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I think you might be right awec.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Might just have to tough it out until next year when I can book some time off, but even with time off, it's difficult to get any viewings that will suit both myself and the landlord.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Just sucks that I have been here over a year and have been looking for months.[/font]

Once youre done training book yourself a short stay apartment in Dublin for a week or two. Move up and work from there and you can readily do viewings in the evening and at weekends.

good idea
exactly what im doing when im moving in to Dublin in May.

awec

Sammyy24 wrote: »

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I think you might be right awec.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Might just have to tough it out until next year when I can book some time off, but even with time off, it's difficult to get any viewings that will suit both myself and the landlord.[/font]

[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Just sucks that I have been here over a year and have been looking for months.[/font]

Book two or three days off work in January once you can and you'll get sorted.

Best of luck with the search.

Ms Doubtfire1

indeed. but, also don't rely only on daft.
https://www.donedeal.ie/tolet-for-sale/granny-flat-for-rent/17284000

CPTM

Firstly, just a small word of warning that there's a few of fraudsters out there at the minute OP. I know already you're someone with their head screwed on but I always think it's good to remind people about that, especially when they are frustrated.

Also, there's a few 'rent a place' pages on Facebook that are fairly active:

Rent in Dublin
Rent a room in Dublin (I've seen some single occupancy places going up)
Dublin rent a room/house/..

If you search "Rent Dublin" they generally come up.

Hopefully something comes up for you, best of luck.

mel123

A guess only, but when you are contacting landlords are you saying 'single'??
Its only a guess, but im wondering if that would turn a landlord off? If you lost your job, how do you pay the rent if you have no friend/partner to pay it for you?
I remember when I was looking for somewhere to rent as a single applicant, i was asked for my bank slips (and this was pre all this madness like). They basically wanted to see if i could afford to pay the rent myself, this could be another issue, they think a single person cant afford it.

Henbabani

just looking on daft - look for 1 bdr apartment and above
max 1300 euro.
find 80 ads
i guess you can find one of them good for you, maybe you need to say you're couple or mention that you already have a job or maybe if you can pay the rent in advance.
good luck

GGTrek

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

Sammyy24 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys.


I want to live in Dublin because I lived there for years, I enjoy living there, I'm familiar with it and all of my friends are there, I don't know anyone in the countryside.
With a house share, I feel that I am at an age now where I have a good career, earn ok-ish money and I want to live alone. If I'm willing to pay for it, I don't understand the problem.


My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.


I have been in talks with estate agents in Dublin and have given them all my details but never hear anything back.

I don't understand landlords, if they don't want the effort of viewing's and having to deal with 100's of people lining up and annoying them, would it not be handy for them to have a single professional woman, with advance rent, deposit and all paperwork in order, willing to move in when it suits them?


They are telling me to jump and I'm saying how high and it never leads anywhere...

In fairness, I don't think I'd rent it out without at least meeting the prospective tenant first. It sucks for you but I can understand where the landlords are coming from here. While you might be an ideal tenant because you have advance rent, deposit, all your paperwork in order and you're willing to move in when it suits them, there are plenty of other people in a similar situation.

If I were you I'd get something temporary until January and once you finish training start looking again except then you'll be able to be more flexible when it comes to viewings so should hopefully find it a bit easier. Best of luck with it regardless.

For a residential lease there is a EU consumer protection law that could really screw you if the tenant later on says that he rented without seeing the property and he/she is now regretting it.

To the OP I am a landlord in central Dublin and I only arrange viewings during the week after 18:30 and at weekends. However viewers really screwed my property manager this past Sunday (when only one out of three appeared). The beauty is that they all said they really needed the place when booking the viewing just two/three days before. Of course these a...es disappeared completely after the event.

Apparently their social life on a Sunday afternoon is too important for thrm to call off a viewing a few hours in advance! This is the first and last time I setup a viewing on a Sunday.

Just to show that it goes two ways and I am tired of hearing the moaning from tenants.

Pelvis

Why would someone go out of their way for you OP when there are dozens if not hundreds of others who can show up at the time convenient to the LL? They're doing you a favour, paying 1200-1300 in rent is utter madness when you don't need to imo.

Ashbx

Im very confused why landlords wouldn't have viewings on a weekend!? Maybe some LL here could settle my curiosity.

LL's want working professionals as tenants and IMO most professionals would be working every weekday, so I don't get why they wouldn't have viewings on a weekend. They want the professionals to rent the house but aren't willing to be flexible to them? Makes no sense to me whatsoever!

awec

Ashbx wrote: »

Im very confused why landlords wouldn't have viewings on a weekend!? Maybe some LL here could settle my curiosity.

LL's want working professionals as tenants and IMO most professionals would be working every weekday, so I don't get why they wouldn't have viewings on a weekend. They want the professionals to rent the house but aren't willing to be flexible to them? Makes no sense to me whatsoever!

They have no need to waste their own weekend doing viewings when they get more than enough quality tenants on offer doing weekday viewings. A lot of professionals will just take time out of work to go view.

Spanish Eyes

Can your high tech company assist you at all?

Many of them have sub leases with REITS.

Sammyy24

Sammyy24 wrote: »

My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.

The problem is, everything you are willing to do would sound alarm bells rininging to any cautious landlord.

Rent a place without viewing it, send someone else to view it? It just sounds way too dodgy and sounds like the purpose of the rent is to not actually “live there” but perhaps use it for other purposes (I am not doubting your intent whatsoever)
Just take a day off when you can and visit as many properties as possible

The landlords are more than likely professionals too, so don’t want to work the weekends themselves

Good luck

Spanish Eyes

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Can your high tech company assist you at all?

Many of them have sub leases with REITS.

If they do have it I doubt very much they would use up limited housing on someone who doesn't need to be in Dublin. The multinational may not even be based in Dublin themselves anyway.

jra3xneickw79y

I managed to rent a property in Malahide without seeing it first but I think it was only because the landlady was not using estate agents. If you can find a property being rented by owner then you’ll have much better luck with that. The owner doesn’t have to stick to the rules.

Marina Village is a nice development right in Malahide village that would be a lovely place to work from home. It’s aging a little now but still very comfortable. I know <snip> have a couple of flats there available now, but also since it’s a big development there’s almost always something.

Perhaps Malahide is a little too far for you, but we find it works okay as the train is good for the city centre.

vectorvictor

Devon Skinny Wharf wrote: »

I managed to rent a property in Malahide without seeing it first but I think it was only because the landlady was not using estate agents. If you can find a property being rented by owner then you’ll have much better luck with that. The owner doesn’t have to stick to the rules.

Marina Village is a nice development right in Malahide village that would be a lovely place to work from home. It’s aging a little now but still very comfortable. I know <snip>have a couple of flats there available now, but also since it’s a big development there’s almost always something.

Perhaps Malahide is a little too far for you, but we find it works okay as the train is good for the city centre.

Just to second the above named estate agency. I was at the end of my tether and called them and was in a place within a week. Have no connection with them aside from being one of their tenants. They are quite no nonsense so you need to be ready to push the button but they were the only ones out of 30 plus estate agents that acted when I told them I was desperately stuck.

Graham

Mod Note: Recommendations by PM only please.

Fol20

Sammyy24 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys.


I want to live in Dublin because I lived there for years, I enjoy living there, I'm familiar with it and all of my friends are there, I don't know anyone in the countryside.
With a house share, I feel that I am at an age now where I have a good career, earn ok-ish money and I want to live alone. If I'm willing to pay for it, I don't understand the problem.


My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.


I have been in talks with estate agents in Dublin and have given them all my details but never hear anything back.

I don't understand landlords, if they don't want the effort of viewing's and having to deal with 100's of people lining up and annoying them, would it not be handy for them to have a single professional woman, with advance rent, deposit and all paperwork in order, willing to move in when it suits them?


They are telling me to jump and I'm saying how high and it never leads anywhere...

Speaking from landlord point of view, I would put equal importance on a face to face chat with you coupled with references. When you talk to someone face to face you get a feel of what their like and no amount of references in the world can suffice that. Yes people will put their best foot forward when talking to you but as a landlord you go with your gut then and if I don’t get a good vibe of someone who I might need to deal with for years It’s just easier to get that feeling when talking to them face to face.

Likewise as others mentioned, why would we go to all the hassle of showing you the place on the weekend when there’s 10 other people that will view the place any time the landlord wants. It might be time to suck it up. Take a day off work and go to Dublin to view as many as possible on that same day.

Sammyy24

Thanks for all the replies everyone
Unfortunately, I am not allowed to take anytime off until February, I have already spoken to my boss. They're in the process of restructuring and training new staff so it's just not possible, I have a few days over Xmas, so maybe a LL will agree to meet with me at some stage. 
I have no problem trying to make a viewing in the late evenings, but I don't finish till 6pm and then it's a 2 and a half hour journey to Dublin by train, if I can get to the train in time.


It's not that I am making excuses, I'm not trying to sound dodgy or anything, I try and work with the landlords in anyway I can, I had one landlord ask me for 18 months bank statements last week and I said no problem, got them all together, all the other information he wanted and then he cancelled on me 2 hours before I was supposed to see the property, while I was on the train!


So it's not like I am not trying but as another poster said, I don't understand what else LL's want, I'm a professional, have proof that I can afford my rent, have glowing references from long term landlords and a work reference and I am willing to provide them with anything else they need.
It's not that I can't meet face to face but it seems that LL's won't meet me half way.


And to answer another poster's question, I want to live in Dublin because all of my friends are there, I lived there for years and have a life there. Also, all of my new colleagues are based there and we do a lot of meetups with the company.


 I know people think it's crazy that I want to move back but I am willing to pay a bit extra if that's where I want to live.

Sammyy24

GGTrek wrote: »

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

Sammyy24 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys.


I want to live in Dublin because I lived there for years, I enjoy living there, I'm familiar with it and all of my friends are there, I don't know anyone in the countryside.
With a house share, I feel that I am at an age now where I have a good career, earn ok-ish money and I want to live alone. If I'm willing to pay for it, I don't understand the problem.


My biggest grumble with all of this is that I have even been willing to move in without seeing the place or send someone to view it for me and they still say no. I have offered month's rent in advance, bank statements, all references required, hell, I'll even give them a DNA sample if they want but I am still getting a resounding no.


I have been in talks with estate agents in Dublin and have given them all my details but never hear anything back.

I don't understand landlords, if they don't want the effort of viewing's and having to deal with 100's of people lining up and annoying them, would it not be handy for them to have a single professional woman, with advance rent, deposit and all paperwork in order, willing to move in when it suits them?


They are telling me to jump and I'm saying how high and it never leads anywhere...

In fairness, I don't think I'd rent it out without at least meeting the prospective tenant first. It sucks for you but I can understand where the landlords are coming from here. While you might be an ideal tenant because you have advance rent, deposit, all your paperwork in order and you're willing to move in when it suits them, there are plenty of other people in a similar situation.

If I were you I'd get something temporary until January and once you finish training start looking again except then you'll be able to be more flexible when it comes to viewings so should hopefully find it a bit easier. Best of luck with it regardless.

For a residential lease there is a EU consumer protection law that could really screw you if the tenant later on says that he rented without seeing the property and he/she is now regretting it.

To the OP I am a landlord in central Dublin and I only arrange viewings during the week after 18:30 and at weekends. However viewers really screwed my property manager this past Sunday (when only one out of three appeared). The beauty is that they all said they really needed the place when booking the viewing just two/three days before. Of course these a...es disappeared completely after the event.

Apparently their social life on a Sunday afternoon is too important for thrm to call off a viewing a few hours in advance! This is the first and last time I setup a viewing on a Sunday.

Just to show that it goes two ways and I am tired of hearing the moaning from tenants.

Sorry that the respective tenants didn't have enough respect to cancel their viewings on time but it is unfair to tar every tenant with the same brush.
I am just a working person, trying to find somewhere to rent, if I can't make a viewing, I'll give a lot of notice and plus, my social life is the least of my problems right now.
Not every tenant is the same.

Graham

Sammyy24 wrote: »

It's not that I can't meet face to face but it seems that LL's won't meet me half way.

It's an unfortunate truth that there's no need for landlords to meet you halfway.

If they've got 20 prospective tenants prepared to view on a Tuesday morning at 10:19:44, why would they then give up an evening/Saturday/Sunday?

You might find it easier to get yourself up-to Dublin for a week or two. Stay with friends or find an AirBnB where you can work remotely.

Until you can do that, you're really restricting yourself to the few properties that are available for viewing evenings/weekends.

Sammyy24

Graham wrote: »

Sammyy24 wrote: »

It's not that I can't meet face to face but it seems that LL's won't meet me half way.

It's an unfortunate truth that there's no need for landlords to meet you halfway.

If they've got 20 prospective tenants prepared to view on a Tuesday morning at 10:19:44, why would they then give up an evening/Saturday/Sunday?

You might find it easier to get yourself up-to Dublin for a week or two.  Stay with friends or find an AirBnB where you can work remotely.

Until you can do that, you're really restricting yourself to the few properties that are available for viewing evenings/weekends.

I know, and unfortunately you're right. Another poster had suggested that too and I think I might just have to bite the bullet and rent an airbnb, my only worry is that I'll spend a good chunk of change and get nothing out if it.
Even if I get to a viewing, there's no say that I'll get it. Just a game of chance I think :pouty:

draiochtanois

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