Uncooperative LL?

dayzman

I see that there're quite a few 3rd party tenant checking and referencing companies out there, e.g., TenantVerify, HomeLet, etc. Do they go up to the previous LLs and explicitly request for a reference letter? If so, what if the previous LLs weren't cooperative? LLs aren't obliged to give reference, right?

Thanks

fishpond

Are you guilty of something?

dayzman

fishpond wrote: »

Are you guilty of something?

No, my agent has been doing the referencing all this time. I just want to know how these 3rd party referencing companies work.

theartfullodger

It depends:

On who is doing the referencing...

And what level of referencing is being purchased...

e.g. cheapo £10 service.
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/documents/PreLet/tenant_credit_check.shtml

RLA Credit Checking Service

This member only service is a key step to safeguarding your lettings. With an RLA credit check you get:

• Instant credit checking - results available within minutes.
• Great value - full credit check available from only £10.
• Convenient storage and easy access to credit checks in myRLA area.
• Check applicant's previous address history.
• Uncover undeclared/linked addresses.
• FREE undeclared/linked addresses, up to four addresses included at no extra charge.
• Discover County Court Judgements (CCJ's) from court records.
• Detect bad credit history such as bankruptcy, IVA's etc.
• Verify electoral role registration.
• Check for aliases.
• Credit scoring giving the likelihood of applicant falling into arrears.
• 'Pay as you go' service - no account application or bulk buying required.
• Receive telephone support during office hours.
• Member only service - one of the benefits of RLA membership.

• - note, no checking with previous landlord or..

£22 job...same company
http://www.rla-tenant-referencing.co.uk/services_full.aspx

RLA Full Tenant Referencing


Careful selection and screening of tenants is one of the most important things you will do as a landlord. Leave nothing to chance with a Full Tenant Reference report from the RLA.

Our Tenant Referencing service is fully comprehensive and will provide you with all of the information you need to proceed with confidence. An agreed report also satisfies the requirements of our Rent & Legal Expenses insurance.

Each Full Tenant Reference includes:

• Written confirmation of employment/income from employer/accountant
• Previous tenancy reference or home ownership check
• Residency confirmation
• Identity confirmation
• Rent Affordability calculation
• Full Credit History search (up to 6 years) including:
  • County Court Judgment search
  • Bankruptcy & IVA data
  • Linked/located address checks
  • Electoral roll presence
  • Existing credit accounts
  • Credit score
• Easy to read, comprehensive report sent by email without delay.

There are other fine tenant credit & referencing agencies offering different services.

The landlord (or agent) does not have to give a reference at all: I had one check where the agent told me he wouldn't give a reference until tenant had given notice (which might have made him homeless..)

That the poor tenant is charged way-way more than the cost is, well, that's capitalism ain't it... (except in Scotland, tenant may not be charged.. at all..)

dayzman

Thanks. Just curious, do you yourself use the £22/£29 service? I probably should consider joining RLA if they're any good.


Their pricing appears to be quite fair and it doesn't cost Ts.

Cautious_Optimist

Personally, I would speak to the previous LL and the LL prior to that and the LL prior to that...

Some agencies are very thorough.
Others not at all.
You can probably do a good job of it yourself quite cheaply.
Just find out how they check and then do it yourself.

There is some credit information only available to registered companies though. But have a good look online.

theartfullodger

I've used the full RLA service.

It does usually cost tenant: Landlord charges tenant such fee as he sees fit (except in Scotland unless landlord a crook)

G_M

Joining a Landlord Association has many benefits. Discount on tenant checking is just one. And the membership fee is tax deductable too.

New Landlords (information for new or prospective landlords)