I was out with the pickiest rental client in the world today, seeing a peach of a bachelor pad on the banks of the Thames. He was late of course, him being a very important person and me being a service provider. He liked it, he wants it. Now I just need to finalise "a few bits". New carpets are needed, obviously. The slippery roof terrace needs attention - it could be dangerous. The stairs are steep, a handrail is essential. "Someone could come a cropper." There"s not nearly enough storage, will need more. "I have winter & summer wardrobes to accommodate." Obviously we are not going to offer full asking price. Ten per cent discount on rent is our best offer. Terribly nice agent, wants to help but they have just received two full asking price offers since we viewed and with no conditions. The pickiest rental client in the world discovers that there's no messing about in today's rental market. Under-supply and over-demand for good quality rentals are making it a landlord's market and very possibly a buy-to-let dream.

Tracy Kellett runs leading buying agents BDI Homefinders. Follow her on Twitter, here.

The Rat and Mouse interview - Tracy Kellett, homefinder, on not being a stuffy old duffer called Rupert [February 26, 2010]

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