According to recent estimates, over five million households in the UK are private rental properties. Finding responsible and trustworthy tenants in a large pool of renters can often be challenging for a landlord.
Tenancy disputes, falling prey to debt arrears, and needing legal services down the lane are some of the pet peeves that all landlords wish to avoid. And therefore, finding a good tenant is essential for a rental property’s success.
Fortunately, comprehensive background and credit checks are two of the most effective ways to assess a potential tenant’s reliability. These checks provide valuable insights into a tenant’s general character, financial history, and rental track record.
In this blog, we will walk you through the process of conducting tenant background and credit checks and highlight their importance in establishing a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Why are Tenant Background and Credit Checks Important?
Tenant background and credit checks are preventive measures against potential risks associated with renting your property. By conducting these checks, you can minimize the chances of renting to tenants with a history of evictions, rent arrears, delayed payments, or criminal activities. Additionally, a credit check provides valuable information about a tenant’s financial responsibility, allowing you to gauge if they are likely to pay rent on time.
Compliance with Fair Housing Laws
Before we delve into the details of conducting background and credit checks, it’s essential to emphasise the importance of adhering to fair housing laws. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, colour, sex, disability, and national origin. Treating all applicants equally and consistently following the screening process is crucial to avoid any potential legal issues.
The Guide to Tenant Background and Credit Checks
Here’s your guide to tenant background and credit checks.
Get Written Consent
Before initiating any checks, you must obtain written consent from the prospective tenant. This consent should be in the form of a signed authorisation document specifically permitting you to conduct background and credit checks. Always make sure to explain the purpose of these checks to the applicants.
Identity Verification
The first step in the process is to verify the tenant’s identity. Request valid identification documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued ID. Verify that the information matches the details provided in the rental application.
Criminal Background Checks
Running a criminal background check helps make sure of your property’s and other tenants’ safety and security. However, be cautious not to discriminate against individuals with criminal records unless their offences directly impact their ability to be a good tenant. Focus on relevant and recent criminal history that potentially raises concerns about their conduct as a tenant.
Rental History
Contacting the applicant’s previous landlords is an essential step in the screening process. Ask for information regarding their tenancy, such as rent payment history, any damages caused to the property, and whether they abided by the lease terms. This information will provide you with valuable insights into the applicant’s rental behaviour.
Employment and Income Verification
Make sure that the potential tenant has a stable source of income to support rent payments. Request pay stubs or other proof of income, and verify their employment status. Generally, a tenant’s monthly income should be at least three times the monthly rent to make sure that they can afford it comfortably.
Credit Checks
Credit checks are a vital aspect of the screening process. They provide detailed information about an applicant’s financial history, including credit card debt, loans, and payment history. Look for red flags like a history of bankruptcy, excessive debt, or a pattern of late payments to identify potential risks.
Rental Application and References
Review the rental application thoroughly to verify that all information provided is accurate and complete. Contact the references provided by the tenant to gain more insights into their character and reliability as a tenant.
Set Clear Criteria
Establish clear and objective criteria for tenant selection. By having well-defined standards, you can avoid any claims of discrimination and benefit from a fair and consistent screening process.
Analysing the Results
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, carefully evaluate the results. Use the collected data to make an informed decision about the prospective tenant. Balance their strengths and weaknesses, and consider whether they meet your predetermined criteria.
The Last Word
Tenant background and credit checks are invaluable in helping landlords select responsible and reliable tenants. You can create a safe and secure living environment by conducting these checks with fairness and adherence to fair housing laws.
So, if you are a landlord in Kent, UK, and need assistance with tenancy agreements, tenant eviction UK, or debt recovery, then get in touch with us. Landlord Assist is a residential eviction specialist in the UK that aims to protect landlords’ interests and property.
Speak to our team of property experts if you’re in a tenancy dispute and need landlord legal services UK.
