Bad Tenant wants a reference for mortgage and i want them out

Pixie5740

If you want the tenants out then start the eviction process using either a Section 8 or a Section 21. There's no need to fanny about giving them references for a mortgage.

Read G_M's Ending/Renewing an AST: what happens when a fixed term ends? How can a LL or tenant end a tenancy? What is a periodic tenancy?

AnotherJoe

Neutrinno wrote: »

I think everyone saying just say 'X and Y' could be assuming the lender would just ask a simple question. I would imagine the lender would be asking more along the lines of 'Has the tenant made all their rental payments in full and on time with no previous arrears'.

As others have said, I would tell the truth, it could only come back to hurt you. If they can't get a mortgage they I would look for new tenants.

They dont have to be bound by the questions asked.

Be like a politician, answer the question you want to answer not the one that was asked.

Let the lender read between the lines if they wish to. They dont have to lie (and shouldn't) but nor do they have to give the full truth, they are not in a courtroom in front of a judge being forced to answer and they are able to answer however they want.

HR departments now, i understand, make bland statements about dates worked due to legal liability for poor references, no reason OP cant take the same approach.

Thrugelmir

Perhaps they want the reference for another rental.

saf1973

Thanks for all your replies.

I initially sent a reference letter stating they were not in any arrears, it was to the point and honest. However I have now been sent a form to fill in asking for the specifics on how many times they have been late in the last two years - how many times they paid on time would have been more apt!

I already told the tenant I would have to tell the truth if they asked as it is so easy to find out by looking at statements.

the further complication is that these are my wife's friends, which is why i rented it to them in the first place, worst thing to do is mix business with pleasure so i wont ever be doing that again.

They have always paid within the same month but it has been up to 3 weeks late more often than not. They are self employed and have erratic income, they shouldn't actually get a mortgage, if people like this are getting mortgages then we're heading back into a sub prime crisis.

I will give them the option of me not replying or giving a true reference, it would be better for them to find a new landlord who is registered with a Credit agency and pay on time for two years.

Thrugelmir

saf1973 wrote: »

However I have now been sent a form to fill in asking for the specifics on how many times they have been late in the last two years - how many times they paid on time would have been more apt!

If you are unable to answer the questions asked. Then return the form and say that you are unable to complete it. No need to justify your actions. Let the lender read into your lack of response and take whatever course of action they wish.