I have a property, local to where I live, which I am preparing to re-let.
My tenant who recently left did so, leaving the house tidy and clean. I have arranged for my decorator to come in and repaint a few areas. Just usual wear and tear, expected living stuff.
The new/prospective tenant has come to view the property and asked if he could get his own painter in at his expense, or to contribute to the cost of mine.
He is looking at the usual touch-up, nesessary painting, like I am, not to change any colours, styles etc.
Although a kind offer, surely it is me who is responsible for the decorating costs before he moves in?
Also, the prospective tenant is local and has for many years been a reliable tenant, has a good, reliable reputation in the community and has held the same steady job with the same employer for about 30 years.
I asked if he has any objection to me doing a full tenant check on him and he is fine with this, but revealed he has a small debt, which is manageable. He also said his current landlord has not let authorities know he is letting property out.
Would doing a check on this tenant land his current landlord in trouble?
The tenant is genuine, I am sure, but I still want to do the check to cover myself.
Check the tenant
Someone else’s problem is not your problem
You are not a charity and RRB is coming in
I personally wouldn’t let a tenant decorate a new refurb but have an older house . That’s your choice
Doing a check on him doesn’t involve the local authority but who is paying the council tax ?
If he’s not registered for council tax he may not be in the electoral role
Don’t take pity on their sob story
Check before you move them in
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Please delete this text for me.
Did you notice how he withheld information about his debt until you told him that you’d do security check on him? Red flag.
Having debt by itself is a huge red flag with RRB coming in.
I’d only go for squeaky clean TT because it’s so hard to evict and will only get harder. Always go for vacant property over not-quite-right TT. Don’t think that you’re losing money. You are actually saving it. With a bad T you will lose much more, plus massive stress.
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I have paid for an Openrent tenant check, but at least I will have a full picture and know what to say to him.
Also, he revealed that the landlord is doing very cheap rent, cash-in-hand and will get caught at some point, plus someone has offered to pay the depilosit for him.
I worry that he may not be able to afford the increase in rent.
At least it is ÂŁ30 to see the full situation and know.
Theres only so much you can learn from a report though and although not a ll myslef i would imagine some of it is gut instinct and reading the little signs why if he is on such a good number with his current ll is he leaving?
How do you know that he has been a relaible tenant for years if its because he told you then surely thats naivety
What is the small debt has he disclosed its origin for example if it was gambling etc could he be tempted again and incurr massive debts
Also you do whatever checks YOU need to do if the other landlord is affected by it thats their problem for doing things illegaly
How are you sure the tenant is genuine and if your so sure why do you still want to do checks
I agree with @Gary , would the prospective tenant be happy for you to see 6 months bank statements showing income and outgoings? That way you get a good view of someone’s financial situation.
I am not taking this tenant on and will await the report, then decide how to inform him.
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If I was a gambling man I’d bet His referencing won’t clear it’ll be easy
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I know that you have decided not to take him on. Always go with your gut instinct.
I would never ask a tenant to chip in for work that I see as the landlords duty. Even if they offer. Because somewhere along the line that can come back to haunt you.
I’m currently starting a section 8 with a tenant who I did agree that he could chip in. Needless to say it’s coming back to bite me.
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I once had a couple look around and ask if they could, at their expense, recarpet the house, redo the perfectly good kitchen and paint all the walls in every room…Plus pay weekly instead of monthly, him one week, her the next. I refused as they may later try and claim an interest in the house. Later that night, they messaged me, saying they wished to redo the newly installed bathroom. I simply told them they are not the tenants I am seeking. He also said he worked in a professional career…I asked and he was an odd job man in a factory, 20 miles away from the house.
I do full credit check using Open Rent. Then do insurance for first year with any new tenant, again through Open Rent. They need to pass credit check for you to be able to do this. He is talking about a CCJ I suspect. I wouldn’t touch anyone with a barge pole that has a CCJ. I am repainting a whole house that a tenant has just occupied and letting her choose colours, as I think she will be long term. Provided nothing crazy, is just off white with accent walls. But is all small beer really. Main thing is to choose tenant very carefully. You want guarantor also really. But definitely rent and legal insurance, as is peanuts in comparison with alternative.