Hi there im a new landlord and have had several msgs already that i feel arent genuine. Some of the people messaging me dont have profile photos so i only know their name from openrent nothing else. I panicked today when i realised a guy was coming over to view and i didnt know who he really was. So i asked for his linkedin profile link and he refused so i cancelled the booking. How do you all ensure these people are real and who they claim to be?
2 Likes
I know some Landlord get applicants to fill in application forms etc, before a viewing, in which case youâd have more details. I donât, as this feels intrusive to collect personal information at this stage, when the applicant might not even want the property once viewed.
For an applicant to have to provide ID to a Landlord at this early stage, requires a leap of faith, that the Landlord is genuine themselves, as it is very easy to become a victim of fraud nowadays.
I did find it intriguing that you considered a social media profile would put your mind at rest, when presumably these are easy to fake & set up!?
The opposite view is that the tenant themselves might be equally wary of an unknown Landlord.
Other âlone workerâ precautions might be sensible such as sharing your viewing diary with someone close, and check in with them after each viewing.
& many on here do not have the profile picture. Thatâs not unusual.
Thanks Karl, yes i agree which is why i felt a linkedin profile which is open to everyone would be better than asking for something very personal like ID. I think there was something not quite right about his answers tbh
Take someone with you when you show a tenant around for your safety
1 Like
I do a fair amount of background research before I offer a viewing. Not just for security but also to ensure that they meet my criteria. A viewing is the most time-consuming part of the application process for me and I want to make sure itâs worth my while. I would highly recommend you do this.
If you canât have someone accompany you, have a friend on speed dial with a safeword that you can use who has the address of the property and can call 999 for you if the situation does become threatening. Faking a phone call can also be useful, as can leaving the front/back door wide open while viewing if possible.
Inform someone who you are meant to be meeting have as much information about them as you possibly can
If possible take someone else with you to the viewing whilst on the viewing try not to put yourself in any compromising situations
Always allow them to enter the room 1st so that there is nothing between you and a means of escape (god forbid you should need it)
Maybe organise multiple viewings at the same time or as close together as you possibly can
Again god forbid u should need it but carry a persoanl attack alarm ask someone (family friend colleague) to ring u or text and make sure you respond
Or use an agent. Agents have their uses! 20 characters
If youâve got several applicants, you could also arrange an open day where you basically have open house for an hour or two and they all come when they can during that time.
1 Like
I always prescreen tenants. Lengthy chat on the phone asking them lots of questions. Within 10 minutes, I am able to gather information and can assess quickly how genuine they are. Tenants always request viewing. I never agree. They go through an initial interview with me to assess their motives and suitability otherwise there is a lot of time wasted.
1 Like
This is so funny 
. OpenRent has a âVerifed tenantâ feature. You can ask tenant to go through initial screening. I usually send a message explaining who I am, where I work when requesting viewing. You can just ask, I am always happy to provide extra info when asked for
All previous suggestions are worth taking in board. Additionally, a landlord should sign up with the ICO and issue a Privacy Notice before requesting personal info.
You cant âaskâ the tenant to go through OR verified tenant process. They have to pay for this service, and hence it needs to be the tenants choice. If the Landlord asked the tenant to incur this cost, I believe it would be in breach of the Tenant Fees Act.
Then ask direct questions, I was happy to provide answers. Request a video call, bring someone with you to a viewing appointment. Plenty of ways to mitigate you concerns, the worst thing you can do is panic at the last minute and cancel the appointment.
Iâve driven twice more than 3 hours just to get a last minute message telling me the landlord cannot make it.