Landlord guide for screening and choosing a potential tenant.

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore avoiding bad tenants from the start will ensure that your property investment provides you with the financial rewards you desire and the reassurance that your property will be well cared for.

There are a number of steps you should take when “screening” a potential tenant. This may take a little time but think of the alternative – bad tenants cause hassle, stress, financial loss and loss of your time.

Therefore follow our guide to help you when choosing your tenant.
 

▪	If you have not already done so, sign up to Tenant Check Worldwide to see if your prospective tenant is listed. If they are, you will find detailed report(s) from previous landlords and agents.

▪	Always have the prospective tenant complete an application form. As a member of Tenant Check Worldwide you can download an application form free of charge.

▪	Ensure all the form is completed. If not, the potential tenant may be hiding something.

▪	Obtain a copy of identification for all occupants. This could be a copy of their passport, driving licence (with photo) or resident/national card (with photo).

▪	Always ask for at least one reference. This could be from their employer, current landlord, bank etc.

▪	Always follow up references and ask questions. Be careful though, some potential tenants may get their friends to act as a referee. Therefore think carefully about what questions to ask and if need be, be a little devious. A genuine referee will correct you.

▪

Ask for evidence of employment such as a pay slip or employment contract which will show that they have money coming in. If they are self employed ask for copies of tax returns or ask to see their records. In the case of a retired person or someone unemployed ask for evidence that they have adequate funds e.g. bank statements showing savings or pension details.

▪	Ask for previous utility bills, rental contract or bank statement to check name and address on application form.

▪

If you are considering using a rental agency ensure that they are a reputable company. Establish what checks they undertake on potential tenants, ask to see a copy of the rental contract and if possible get references from other people that use their services. Check to see if they are a member of Tenant Check Worldwide. As an owner wouldn’t you prefer to use an agency that conducts checks on your potential tenant?

▪	Finally use your common sense and gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t.

Once you have accepted a tenant ensure that you have a rental agreement between the two parties outlining the terms and conditions of the contract. This should at least have the names of both parties, address of the rental property, duration of the rental, price per week/month and payment date/method. If you do not wish to do this yourself then involve a lawyer who can draft one for you and if necessary witness it.

Always take a security deposit to cover against damages and breakages. This should be at least one months rent on a long term rental and always have an inventory listing fittings and furnishings.

And finally, when the contract expires remember to share your experience on Tenant Check Worldwide, whether it was good or bad.