Thorough reference checks 'vital' for landlords
8th Aug 2012
It is essential that landlords considering taking on new tenants conduct thorough reference checks to ensure their prospective renters can back up their claims.
That is the opinion of David Lawrenson, private rented sector expert, who said it is a "big danger" if buy to let property owners fail to carry out the necessary checks - something he described as a "key requirement".
The expert said that, unfortunately, there have been many landlords who overlook this, and can regret it later.
"Make sure that you know the tenant, you know that they can afford the rent and that you have checked into their background as far as possible," he explained.
This way, landlords will know that they have someone in front of them who is going to do all that they can to pay the rent, as opposed to somebody who perhaps has no intention of paying it.
As long as there is a recession with people losing their jobs and having lower incomes, then there will be people experiencing difficulties – something that is not going to go away any time soon, Mr Lawrenson stated.
For landlords who do have tenants experiencing difficulties, it may be best talking to them first, he added.
"Open a dialogue with them as far as you can. The key thing is to get the right tenant in place in the first place and carry out thorough reference checks."
Posted by Staff Writer: Robin Stenson
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