For any landlord picking the right tenant whether you let your property out using an estate agent or use a do-it-yourself method is the biggest headache that most landlords face. Finding tenants that have left suddenly, often racking up debts on a property is a common problem and one that we often work on with landlords.
- Obviously you will be getting your standard issue application form filled in, one thing we also recommend is that you also get a next of kin, not just their name but also their address and telephone number, ‘just in case’ you need to get hold of them in a hurry. This is invaluable when tracing a missing tenant.
- Listen to what the prospective tenant says, listen for phrases such as my current landlord isn’t very understanding or the neighbours keep complaining for no reason.
- Suggest your tenants bring the children along to the viewing to see if they’ll like it too, you can tell a lot about a family from the way the children behave and how the parents interact with their children. Do they shout at the children for the slightest thing or take time to explain to them?
- Ask the tenant verbally about the best house they ever rented.
- Always get references but not only that, follow them up!! Check that the referee isn’t a relative.
- Listen to your gut feeling, if it doesn’t feel right there will be someone else come along who is more suitable.
- If they have a current landlord ask questions such as do they pay their rent on time? Did they keep the property clean and tidy?
- If they are employed speak to the employer to verify they work there, if it’s a mobile number do an Internet search for the employers land-line.
- Get some proof of identity, a bill from their last address, driving licence or passport. A National Insurance card is not proof of identity and is usually no benefit when trying to track someone down.
- Perform a background and credit check, if you are insisting on a guarantor, do the same for them. One recent job we had the guarantor was the previous tenant on incapacity benefit.
The above are just some tips to aid you in your quest for the perfect tenant, do you have any to add?
