Letting to American student

[LucyChilds]

My 2nd BtL property is nearing completion following renovation and would be looking to market it next month. I have recently been asked by a close friend who works at the local University whether I would consider letting to a mature Masters student from the US who is due to come for a year's study starting next month. They are struggling to find anybody who will accept their cat & dog (yep, bit of a strange one to come for a year and have pets in quarantine for a long period, but each to their own!). I have no objection in principle to the pets. Just a quick question really, since I've no experience of letting to anybody from overseas, of anything I need to be aware of? The only thing that springs to mind if to double-check the insurance in relation to FT students, but that aside, are they any other considerations? I'm in Wales so Right to Rent checks are categorically not a consideration - it's unlawful here. I let my previous place via OpenRent so had their contract and referencing package. I'm unsure how referencing would work in this instance.
Any advice, tips, warnings gratefully received.

[mariner]

Get University to sign a D of G for ther mature Masters student

[boletus]

This company does international credit checks and advertises on landlordzone;

https://www.tenantverify.co.uk/inter...it-checks.html

You could also contact a letting agent in their home town and pay them to credit reference for you.
You could phone up and chat to a professor type character reference at their previous uni plus landlord, parents etc.

I've done this without problem in the past and quite enjoyed the whole thing/challenge/job satisfaction.

A warning flag for me though would be the cat and dog in quarantine for 4 months when they only intend staying a year. It's not a good sign of someone who is responsible and organised (sorry).

[Townes27]

"A warning flag for me though would be the cat and dog in quarantine for 4 months when they only intend staying a year. It's not a good sign of someone who is responsible and organised (sorry)."

We (Americans) brought our 3 cats into the UK in 2018 and one does not have to quarantine their pets when those pets are being transported between the US and the UK. But, to be able to take advantage of that rule, is a long, involved, and very expensive process. I'm not sure how going through that process, for animals which are under your care, shows a lack of organization or responsibility instead of showing the reverse. Even if there were a quarantine involved. And we would have definitely done the same even if we were only staying for a year.

As for vetting someone from another country, I don't know. We're in England on a work visa and used a relocation company from my husband's new job when finding a place. I think proof of employment sufficed, which obviously doesn't help with students.

[flyingfreehold]

Ask for year's rent in advance?

[boletus]

Even if there were a quarantine involved.

There is. I've been through it.

Please read the OP again before having your holier than thou rant at me;

Masters student from the US who is due to come for a year's study starting next month. They are struggling to find anybody who will accept their cat & dog (yep, bit of a strange one to come for a year and have pets in quarantine for a long period

[LucyChilds]

Thank you all, great advice

[jpkeates]

We (Americans) brought our 3 cats into the UK in 2018 and one does not have to quarantine their pets when those pets are being transported between the US and the UK. But, to be able to take advantage of that rule, is a long, involved, and very expensive process.

That's great experience to share.
Thanks.

[jpkeates]

Just reread my post.
No sarcasm intended!

[Jon66]

I've just had a quick look and my understanding is that providing the pet has been prepared properly and all documents in order, there is no quarantine period for pets from the USA as it is one of the listed countries.

[boletus]

I've just had a quick look and my understanding is...

Well that's all sorted out then.

[Townes27]

There is. I've been through it.

Please read the OP again before having your holier than thou rant at me;

If the student is bringing 2 pets from the United States into the UK there is no quarantine. The OP is incorrect.

[boletus]

https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk

[LucyChilds]

lol, wish I hadn't mentioned the pets now! It was only to explain why the student was having difficulty sourcing a property, the assumption about the quarantine was mine and quite possibly incorrect, but I was really hoping just for pointers about any other (none animal related!) things to be aware of when letting to an international student.

[ChrisDennison]

Never mention anything that is unrelated to your question. People here love to go off on a tangent and end up discussing a totally different question