Should I take it as a 'no'?

[Hippogriff]

But wouldn't you want to have a quick look through the paperwork that the prospective tenant is trying to show you just to check if they are legitimate and save time?

No, because it does not save time if you do it 10 times. Show the property to some Tenants, try to pick the best option (whatever that means in real life), progress that one as quickly as possible and hope it works out. Job done.

[ram]

You are making a problem that preiviously did not exist.

They only want ONE tenant, so when they have decided which person they want to be their tenant, they will ask for all the information they require.

They do not want mountains of paperwork for 2, 3, 20 viewings.
They should already know if they are working, or not, reciving benefits or not via initial conversations.

[Callan]

I understand it.
But wouldn't you want to have a quick look through the paperwork that the prospective tenant is trying to show you just to check if they are legitimate and save time?
Do you contact the 'best' applicant or you wait for them to contact you?

[Sad S]

Same as what Eric said.

If eight potential tenants have booked viewings on a Saturday, I'd want them all to have a chance to view.

First, because it's unfair to cancel if people are travelling many miles to view and then the place is off the market before they arrive.

Second, because I want to see them all, and make up my own mind who would be acceptable and who would not.

[Ericthelobster]

So I guess it is a way of saying that they wouldn't accept me'?

Could be. But as a landlord, if I have a bunch of people all booked in for viewings on a single day, it would have to be a fairly special applicant to make me say yes to the first one that asked, rather than meet them all and offer the tenancy to the 'best' applicant.

[Callan]

I went to view a property today, good size, location ok, price in line with expectation of the area. The carpet was really old (and blue) and really needed replaced for the price they were asking but I haven't said anything.

Days before going for the viewing I emailed the landlord explaining my circumstances (employed but receiving LHA, single parent etc) and asking about minimum fixed term contract, next rent increase, deposit etc etc etc.

Got there 10 minutes late as I was struggling to find the location however I called in advance explaining I was on my way and asked for directions.

So, I viewed the flat, expressed my interest, offered all my paperwork (employment contract, payslip, benefits award letters, bank statement) and current LL's reference but the LL refused to have a look and said that there were more people coming for viewings throughout the day and if they needed to see my paperwork later on, I could send by email (?) and I should get in touch later on to check if they have chosen me.

So I guess it is a way of saying that they wouldn't accept me'?

Usually the agents refuse me straight flat and the only private LL I found before this one told me she would call me if I was chosen (she didn't).