question to landlords

tbs624

EmmaHerts wrote: »

A landlord has no right to see your N.I number. That is not meant to be given out willy-nilly.

Indeed - it states quite clearly on your NI card and elsewhere that NINOs are not intended to be used as a means of ID.

LLs/LAs will usually try to argue that they need it in case they need to pursue a T for unpaid rent etc and obtain an attachment of earnings order if T subsequently fails to meet the repayment terms of any CCJ. Court however can order a T to provide relevant info.

It's a prime example of "data creep" when you are asked for your NINO for anything other than your matters specifically relating to your NI records and/or your employer/pension etc

G_M

I do much the same as walster though I deduct the fee (I charge £30 not 20) from the first months rent, so it costs the successful tenant nothing.

It's there to cover me for time-wasters who change their minds, or those who are inappropriate (I make my requirements clear from the start).

Guarantors need to pass similar checks if the tenant has failed for some reason. Ideally home-owner (as they cannot easily 'vanish', and as a last resport one can attach a Charge on their property.

Never rely on "To Whom it may concern" references produced by applicants (self-written), or telephone numbers for their boss that they give you (their best mate).

nat38

G_M wrote: »

I do much the same as walster though I deduct the fee (I charge £30 not 20) from the first months rent, so it costs the successful tenant nothing.

It's there to cover me for time-wasters who change their minds, or those who are inappropriate (I make my requirements clear from the start).

Guarantors need to pass similar checks if the tenant has failed for some reason. Ideally home-owner (as they cannot easily 'vanish', and as a last resport one can attach a Charge on their property.

Never rely on "To Whom it may concern" references produced by applicants (self-written), or telephone numbers for their boss that they give you (their best mate).

I agree, but then what kind of references you do trust?

Werdnal

nat38 wrote: »

I agree, but then what kind of references you do trust?

You get names of references and contact them yourself to discuss the tenant, or write to them.

If you get a number of a so-called employer, don't dial the direct number you've been given, find out the company number and ring the switchboard/main office to ask to speak to the person by name - proving that its not just the prospective tenant's mate pretending to be his boss.

Never accept pre-prepared reference letters from the tenant, who could have knocked the letter up themselves on their PC.

Also try to ask for the previous LL, not just the one the tenant is leaving to take your place!

nat38

I guess they are easier to check if the letters are from employers and you can call a general number and ask to speak to them as you suggested, but how do you really corroborate LL's letters? It seems to me these will always be almost impossible to trust 100%?
anyway, juts a rethorical question...

missrlr

National Landlords Association Tenant Check service, £36, payable by tenant and they handle all the data, come back to me with a yes / no use a guarantor. Ditto for guarantors same process but answer is yes / no. This also includes a check if they are the person they claim to be
Sure you can do this DIY but for the money I am not going to be fussed about it.
I always take a landlord but 2 (if possible) reference and ask "would you rent to this person again?" only one question and the answer / way it is answered tells you a lot.
quite how the agencies justify the amounts they spend on the "checks" is beyond me.