Would you proceed if one tenant passes but the other fails referencing?

Hi there,

We’re carrying out referencing checks using Goodlord, we’re processing an application and referencing results just came through. There are 2 tenants in this application:

Tenant 1:

Passed all referencing checks but there is inconsistency between their pre-qualification form and referencing checks. Declared different jobs on both forms but the one on referencing checks has been verified. When asked about this they never explained why the different jobs. They initially didn’t provide an ID or complete IDVT for the ID checks but passport was later provided after referencing was done.

Tenant 2:

Passed 3 out of 4 sections on Goodlord referencing, was waiting for income verification but it couldn’t be verified because payslips provided weren’t good enough and the reference provided from the employer wasn’t sufficient. Goodlord performed enhanced checks and concluded there were many inconsistencies within this application so failed all checks for this applicant.

From Goodlord Referencing regarding tenant 2 only:

“I can confirm that in this instance, our concerns were with the legitimacy of the information provided in the Income section. In particular the payslips and reference provided and the applicants refusal to connect to trusted sources (open banking and hmrc). After conducting our detailed checks I can confirm that we have been unable to verify the information the applicant provided through our internal processes, and have decided to fail the application. You will receive a final report to reflect this shortly.”

My questions:

1. Tenant 1 passed affordability checks and them alone can afford the tenancy. Would you proceed with a sole tenant application? And make tenant 2 a permitted occupier?

OR

2. Would you reject this whole application?

@Lj13

Reject. There’s enough tenants who don’t have any of these issues and allow their income to be verified

Tenant 1 hasn’t explained themselves properly and may have lied about jobs

Tenant 2 income can’t be verified. Payslips can be forged.

Whilst you say tenant 1 can afford on their own, you probably thought they were good candidates based on the stated combined income.

Why take a risk?

Good luck

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too dodgey for me reject and move on

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these are people who should be on their best behaviour. If they behave this way when you hold all the cards, it’s likely that once they have their names on a tenancy agreement, they will behave even worse. I wouldn’t do it.

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Reject. We often let to sharers. Be open with the first. You are probably protecting them as much as you.

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