Income verification for overseas students

kmmr

Hi,

I am a long time reader, but first time poster on this forum!

I have a small flat in London for rent, and have had an application from some mature age students who have come to study for 9 months. They won't be working, but will recieve a grant from their home country.

Is it ok for me to ask for proof of the grant, as well as evidence of the savings they say they are going to use to pay the rent and live on? I have just had someone break a lease as he couldn't afford the rent after 4 months, and so am nervous about letting someone else take it on without being certain they can pay the rent.

They also don't have any rental references, as they own their home and are renting it out while they are here.

Anyway, just wanted some advice on how to check on them! They seem lovely and genuine, but I want to take the time to check what I can.

Thanks in advance!

Soot2006

I was in this situation & was asked my private LL to show proof of my grant + savings (no UK credit history at that point). I gave him a copy of my grant letter (in English) + copy of my most recent bank statement.

He later admitted he hadn't been too sure about either of these things but had gone with gut feeling ... which was good as I lived there for 2 years and was a model tenant

kmmr

Thanks, I will ask for them then. My 'gut' is telling me they are fine, but it did last time too, and I am back trying to re-let the place 4 months later!

Fire_Fox

Foreign students usually come from relatively wealthy families so they may be able to pay the full nine months rent up front as well as the deposit - worth asking?