So then landlords, where do you get your tenants?

Mrs_pbradley936

This really does depend on how many properties you have. If you have one or two you can do it yourself and save commissions. With a large portfolio doing it yourself would be a full time job because you would have to keep note of who moved in and when, what Notices have to be issued, who to and when and get the wording right because it is a legal document and if it is wrong you have not got a leg to stand on. I use an agent because having several properties means that they give me a discount and their fees are tax deductable.

TAG

Bernie and ali007. I fully understand where your both coming from.

It's a shame that so many spoil it for those that are genuine. I really don't know what I'd have done if a hadn't been given a 'break'. And I was lucky in respect of the fact I had my Dad to help out.

But I totally agree with what your saying about non payment of rent and the state people leave places in. I would feel the same.

Gorgeous_George

With just one BTL, I advertise in the local shops (Post Office, Newsagent). Twelve acceptable applicants last time. Try to chose the ones most likely to stay.

With a 4 bedroom house, there's little point in renting to single people (not sure why she wanted oit). Settled for a lovely couple (both working) with two children. they've been there 4 years and now have 4 children. I#m hoping they stay a few years more.

I haven't bothered with references. I'm happy to judge preople's characters myself.



GG

Tassotti

Gorgeous_George wrote:

I haven't bothered with references. I'm happy to judge preople's characters myself.

GG

That's an extremely dangerous way to operate GG.

CB1979_2

cheers everyone.

next question or should i start a new thread?

anyway, what forms of ID and other docs/info will i require for getting prospective tenants referenced by letsure?

and do you make these prospective tenants pay for the referencing or do i take it on the chin?

I was thinking of saying that if they were successful applicants (ie suitable in letsure's eyes), I would either refund them the fee or deduct it from the 1st month's rent? or is that unreasonable?

edit also, if I'm renting out a property that has 2 couples in it, should i check all of them even if one says only their name to be put on the tenancy agreement? I'm assuming all 4 would be contributing towards the costs?

clutton_2

try looking on https://www.landlordzone.co.uk which contains the most comprehensive and free tenant application form, - i have used it for years now.

"""if one says only their name to be put on the tenancy agreement? "" - no no no no no no no no !!!

if they live there, they get put on the tenancy agreement, else they don't live there !! You will have a heck of a job getting anyone out who is not on the agreement; if they are not on the agreement and the couple splits up and the "paying one" moves out, the non-paying one has no legal duty to pay the rent.

i charge my prospective tenants £50 for a credit check fee. I check one person at a time. But, i do say, if my credit check results show that i cannot offer you a tenancy this fee is non-refundable. i have had this happen once, and did not refund - i found they owed their current landlord over £1000.