Beyond the tenant reference check
There are several other things that landlords can do to protect themselves and their investment
The tenant reference check is the best way to weed out problem tenants that are likely to cause you issues.
You will need to be able to demonstrate that you arranged a robust reference check for your landlord insurance to be valid if a bad tenant does manage to get through reference checks and subsequently causes damage to your property.
But a tenant reference check does not take into account changes to a tenant’s financial circumstances, health or any other aspect of their lives which may impact their ability to pay the rent or look after your rental property as the tenancy progresses.
By treating your tenant as a valued customer and taking the time to nurture a good relationship with them from the outset, you will be better prepared to deal with any unexpected issues that may arise further down the line.
It’s very important at the start of the tenancy to explain what the tenancy agreement includes, agree access for mid-term inspections, clarify both your and your tenant’s obligations and take the time to explain terms and liabilities.
Remember, at the point of referencing, your prospective tenant wants your property and will be keen to secure it before another tenant does.
But demand for rental properties is high, so don’t let yourself be pressured into letting someone move in quickly without ticking all of your boxes, and trust your gut feeling.
