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Checking your tenant

It depends on what kind of tenant you are looking for and what type of tenancy you wish to use as to how much information you require before signing a tenancy agreement. 

We find that holding information about the tenant, along with a deposit, tends to be enough to ensure the tenant is up front with us.  It also helps find a tenant at a later date, if necessary, when they owe money or have caused damage. 

We like to collect the following information:

1.  We start with meeting any prospective tenants ourselves to get an idea of the type person they are.

2.  We continue with a form that asks for work details, next of kin (in case of an emergency), mobile telephone numbers and e-mail address. Be aware that mobile telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are changed frequently by some people.

3.  Then we ask for references - one personal and one work, with addresses and telephone numbers.  It is up to you whether you check these.  We feel that generally if they have given us this information that is enough for us.

4.  We include a bank address and account number as we ask the tenant for rent payment by direct debit.

5.  You can also use a credit check costing around £10.  However, to do this you need written permission from the prospective tenant beforehand.

6.  If you can arrange a guarantor to cover the rent it is a great help, particularly with younger people who are not used to budgeting bills yet.  This we find is a bonus though and not the norm. 

These details are all private and must be kept secure.  We keep all our tenants details in a fire safe - your copy of the contract is a vitally important document if you wish to end a contract.  Keep it very safe.

This information could be needed should you have to chase for unpaid rent or damages.  When the tenant has left and all bills for that property paid then the details must be destroyed.