Letting a Flat
SIR,—I have recently had occasion to advertise an unfurnished flat and to show applicants over it. The rent was as high as could reason- ably and fairly be asked, there were about £15 worth of the outgoing tenant's fixtures, fairly priced at less than they cost, and no premium, disguised or otherwise.
Among the applicants was one who, having viewed the flat, disclosed that he was an agent. He adopted a fatherly attitude and began explaining how to let a fiat profitably. He had a number of persons on his list who would be prepared to pay a considerable sum for the same fixtures. There was no charge to landlords. He took some time to realise that such folly as to let a flat on fair terms could be deliberate and not due to ignorance.
I had not realised before that agents were prepared to go to such lengths to drive up housing prices, and it is only fair to say that none of the others who rang up made any such suggestion. Presumably there is no remedy, except more houses and flats, since people will pay the utmost they can to get a home.—Yours faithfully, E. M.
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