If you’re thinking of renting out a property for the first time, it’s natural to be concerned about the tenant from hell moving in. What if your new tenant causes damage, stops paying their rent or becomes ‘that’ neighbour? That’s where tenant screening comes into the picture. When you rent out your Chelsea, Notting Hill or St Johns Wood property, you can raise your chances of securing a reliable tenant who will treat it with respect.
Renting out your property to strangers will always be a leap in the dark – and finding your dream tenant can’t be guaranteed. But there are simple steps you can take, and checks you can make, to ensure you know more about the person you’re letting to.
Read our 16 top tips for fantastic tenants and where to find them:
1 Know The Market
Research the asking prices of similar properties in the local area, and try to be realistic about your expectations. Does the property appeal to your target market? If not, try to identify the gaps.
2 Attract Plenty Of Potential Tenants
The more interest you generate in the property, the greater your chance of finding the perfect tenant. So it’s important to market your home as extensively as your budget permits.
Rather than waiting for prospective tenants to contact you, you could be proactive. Check property-wanted ads, gumtree or Nextdoor.co.uk and approach people directly.
If you are looking for a letting agent to find your tenants, choose wisely. Do your research into how quickly, on average, they take to let a place.
Research demand for your type of property in the area, try marketing to specific types of tenant and consider what will appeal to them. You may even choose to invest in buy-to-let properties which appeal to certain demographics. The property should be tailored to your target market where possible, for example, do they value high-speed internet, modern appliances, ensuites or bike storage?
Highlight the balcony for young professionals, or a spacious garden in a family-friendly area. Retired people can make good tenants who will take care of your property, and consider that responsible pet owners can make good long-term tenants.
Corporate lets are a safe option if your property is appropriate. They provide an additional level of security because you will be dealing with your tenant’s employer and can hold them accountable.
4 But Don’t Discriminate
Be aware, though, that you must comply with the law on discrimination when choosing your tenants. It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of certain protected characteristics when letting property. These include age, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation. Read more on the gov.uk website.
5 Use Current Tenants’ Feedback
What do your current tenants like and dislike about the property? Some quirks only come to light through daily use, so their feedback could allow you to remedy problems and identify your property’s strengths. Use this information to reposition so you can attract new tenants.
6 Be Prepared With Questions & Forms
Before meeting your applicants, think about the questions you wish to ask them and establish which documents you will be requesting from them. It’s easy to forget something important, especially when you warm to someone and are tempted to trust your instincts.
Using an application form, which everyone must complete, could be useful – or try onboarding apps, which can streamline the pre-screening process. They will ensure that you gather the right information and help you make comparisons between applicants as well as being a fair way to operate.
7 Get The House Ready To View
Attractive presentation can help with finding good tenants – a smart property will encourage them to view, and then tempt them to apply. If your property is currently vacant, take care of maintenance issues, update worn-out décor and clean the property to appeal to the potential tenant. If there are tenants in situ, approach them about presentation, but be reasonable.
8 Keep Current Tenants Happy
Treat your current tenants with respect – their cooperation can go a long way. They are legally entitled to reject viewings at a time that inconveniences them, and aren’t compelled to show the property to its best advantage. Showing courtesy by organising viewings at reasonable times, for example, can help the process to run smoothly.
9 Meet Your Applicants
It’s a good idea to meet your prospective tenants in person, especially those you are strongly considering. It is hard to form an opinion about someone if you’ve only emailed or spoken by phone.
10 Consider The Tenant’s Attitude
The tenant’s manner can reveal their character, so consider the way they communicate and conduct themselves. Do they arrive punctually for appointments, submit documents in a timely manner and ask serious questions about the property?
11 Do Background Checks
It is crucial to examine applications carefully and not take anything at face value. Background checks are essential – ask for proof of income, copies of bank statements, a good credit rating and positive employer and landlord references, and be alert to past evictions or antisocial behaviour. While this might feel intrusive, it will give you a better picture of their circumstances for greater peace of mind.
Always seek references for your tenants, including from previous landlords, and ensure that they are genuine. If your applicant hasn’t rented a home before, seek references from their employer or a college lecturer and consider asking for a guarantor. They will cover the payments if your tenant doesn’t pay rent on time.
13 Check Their Social Media
It’s also worth delving into your prospective tenants’ social media profiles to check their career information and gain an impression of their lifestyle. Looking at their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts will give you more information about the person and their employment history.
14 Do Credit & ID Checks
Once you have identified the most promising applicants, it is worth investing in credit checks. Identity checks are also crucial, as it is your responsibility in law to establish that your tenant possesses the right to rent in the UK. Tenants must provide you with original identity documents, and you are obliged to check these in their presence and take copies. More information can be found on the gov.uk website.
15 Use A Letting Agent
If you’re pushed for time, or feel unsure about handling the process yourself, using the services of a letting agent will save you a lot of stress. A letting agent will have detailed knowledge of the local market and may already have the perfect tenant registered with them. They will be able to market your property effectively, help you understand your responsibilities, – from property upkeep to tax – and will have the expertise and legal knowledge to check applicants thoroughly.
Letting agents can find tenants for your rental property, arranging the credit check, organising the tenancy agreements and collecting the tenancy deposit. They can also collect the monthly rent. Many will offer property management services during the tenancy too.
16 Take Out Landlord Insurance
No matter how careful you are, it is still possible to encounter problems with your tenant. You can protect your interests by investing in landlord insurance. As with letting agents, taking out landlord insurance will increase your overheads but it will mitigate the impact and expense of a bad tenant.
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Fraser Gregory
I started my career in 2008 at one of the largest agencies in the UK before taking the leap into the independent agency sector. I joined Plaza in 2012 and I’ve never looked back. Being part of a boutique family owned agency has been such a rewarding experience allowing me to be involved in every aspect of the lettings process. I have developed my skill and knowledge over the years by successfully passing the NFOPP Technical Award in Residential Lettings and Property Management. A nationally recognised qualification of Propertymark; The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) I’m proud to be part of a company that has been involved in the community for nearly 50 years.
If you want 5-star reviews and want to remove negative reviews from Google, contact me via my profile; my contact details are listed there.
SM
Dear Eitan
In this whole sorry saga, with headbutting, unproactive lawyers, and a comatose estate agent etc etc, you have been a beacon of light throughout. Efficient, professional and responsive. This would never have got done without you.
Thank you.
All the best.
Maurice Shasha
We have been using Plaza Estates for many years for all our property requirements (sales, letting and management) and are delighted with the results and service they constantly deliver and provide!
KS
I generally dealt with the Marble Arch branch most of the time, but I can also say that the Knightsbridge office was also exceptionally helpful and professional on the occasions I did deal with them. Plaza Estates in general are excellent.
YZ
Have interacted with Plaza Estates across a couple of sites and always been impressed. Maurice must be the hardest working, most dedicated, helpful and knowledgeable account manager for any company anywhere! A real asset to the team!
LI
I have been a client of Plaza Estates for over 30 years and received excellent service. Both Rodney on the rental side and Fiona in the property management area have been have been attentive and helpful and always willing to go the extra mile on the few occasions when there were problems.
SA
Hope both of you are doing well. I wanted to thank you for always being there for us and for addressing our concerns promptly; safe to say you have been the best agents I have had the pleasure of interacting with.
KR
We have owned our Flat since 2008, which we purchased through Plaza. Our relationship with Plaza goes back to 1982 when we purchased a nearby flat and Plaza have handled all our lettings since then. I would have no hesitation in recommending Plaza - they will find you a good tenant and ensure your ...
MS
Thank you again for all your advice and calm attitude and charm. Nobody could try harder than you, and for which, we really thank you and appreciate it all, not just now, but over the years.
Thanks again for everything!
LT
Thank you for your kind help and your advice, it's been precious!
