It is very important that the landlord interviews tenants carefully. The landlord will want to choose a person who will be a trustworthy and reliable tenant and although first impressions are useful, the landlord can lessen the risk factor by taking up references from the prospective tenant’s current or previous landlord, employer and bank.
The landlord may also consider using a tenant referencing service, which will make these and additional checks for the landlord. NetRent.co.uk offer a Tenant Referencing Service through Experian, the leaders in credit referencing. Click here for more information Check My Tenant.
Ask new tenants for contact details of a close family member or friend whom the landlord can contact in an emergency. This information is also useful if the tenant leaves without notice.
The landlord should note that tenants should not be chosen on the basis of race, religion, marital status, disability, sexuality or age. If the landlord discriminates against any tenant on these grounds, the landlord could be prosecuted. If the landlord is letting rooms in the landlord’s home, the landlord may specify the sex of prospective tenants.