How do I check out a private landlord?

fuzzgun19

We have been looking to move and saw an ad in our local free paper, called the mobile number and arranged to view.

We have never rented privately before, and wondered if it's possible to check that the lardlord is above board?

We told then we're interested and they said they're not too bothered about references as they go on how they feel about a tennant when they meet them. They are more concerned about the bond.

They seem nice enough, told us they have a few properties in the town, but they live in another nearby town.
We are meeting again and they said they'd draw up a tennancy agreement, and we'd hand over the bond to secure the property.

Just all seems too good to be true that they have taken us with not many questions.

Is this normal.. can I check them out as I don't want to be scammed... how do I know they won't take my money and run?

clutton_2

the first thing you can do is to go onto the governments Land Registry and for £4 you can find out if they are registered as the legal owner of this property and which address is registered for them.

G_M

Land registry

Ask if they have permission to let from their lender (the Title deeds you get from the land registry will show you if they have a mortgage!)

Ask which scheme your deposit will be protected in.

Ask if there's a gas safety certificate (if gas in the property).

Ask to see evidence of the above.

theartfullodger

Agree with clutton & GM. In particular spend the £4 with Land reg to find out who really owns it & what address he has given.

If LL declines to provide evidence walk away.

Odd thing is, I've been renting property out for 10+years and never ever been asked for such stuff, although I'd happily provide it...

That the question occurred to you in the first place would make me suspect he ain't entirely 100% genuine.... Not checking references?? Either a crook, an idiot or someone who is a very good judge of character...

Cheers!

Artful

katsu

We rented privately with the same landlord for over 5yrs no problems. I can't remember if references were taken up on us or not - I think not TBH. We signed a tennancy agreement for the first 6 months then just paid every month after that. Got deposit back in full at the end too.

Don't be afraid of private landlords and remember that you can still have problems if you go via an agency. I'd check the gas safe cert but other than that I'd interview them too to check they were the kind of landlord I wanted.

tomitma

My son got his flat through the local newpaper, the LL interviewed him a couple of hours later, and offered him the flat, no bond and no references, just a months rent in advance, he loves his flat, and has been there a year now.

mlz1413

Do you know the LL's address? This should be on the tenancy agreement, but you could ask them to write it on the deposit receipt and a landline number to.

Definately ask which deposit scheme they use as this is now law and will be extra peace of mind for you.

Local papers normally take advertisers details so I would be more comfortable with this than using a website.

tbs624

Just check the HMLR website, pay the fee and then ask the LL to show you some photographic evidence of who he is - D Licence, Passport and show him yours even if he has not requested it. Most experienced LLs fully understand that scammers make people more wary.

chucknorris

tomitma wrote: »

My son got his flat through the local newpaper, the LL interviewed him a couple of hours later, and offered him the flat, no bond and no references, just a months rent in advance, he loves his flat, and has been there a year now.

Nothing against your son, but that LL is going to learn a lesson the hard way one day if he doesn't vet his tenants, sooner or later he will come up against a bad tenant.

Wings

On viewing the premises did the LL show you an Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs) ?

As for references on a LL, certainly I would carry out a Land Registry check on the rented premises, and i would do the same check on his/their private residence.