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Leave the undesirables standing at the door with Belvoir’s expert advice on how to recognise the signs of a ‘good’ tenant and what you can do to attract them to your property...
With the recent national boom in rental properties available, competition to secure the ‘best’ tenants is now fierce – but, with a bit of forward planning, it’s easy for landlords to ensure they attract the right people into their property every time.
Ideally, a ‘good’ tenant would have a secure monthly income and a responsible attitude, they would pay their rent on time each month and be happy to look after the outside space, plus do minor interior maintenance – and the longer term let they were willing to sign on the dotted line for the better!
Proprietor of Belvoir Bournemouth Kate Jackson explains, “A ‘good’ tenant is a person who can provide their own deposit, move in within two weeks, has their own furniture, no pets, is non smoking and is working.” Paul Cartwright, proprietor of Belvoir South Hants, adds to this, “A good tenant is also someone who stays for more than six months and leaves the property in the condition that they found it - fair wear and tear excepted, of course.”
“A good tenant is also someone who understands that all the little jobs around the house are actually their responsibility and not that of the agent or landlord,” he continues. “Plus, a good tenant understands that the agent/landlord cannot spirit boiler parts out of the air!”
But, are there any telltale signs that might mean someone wouldn't make a good tenant?
“Yes, definitely,” says Kate Jackson of Belvoir Bournemouth. “If they mess you about regarding fees or if they don’t tell you about their CCJs which flash up when you credit check them these are both good indicators. Sometimes, though, you can just get a general uneasy feeling about them.”
Paul too suggests that you look out for indicators that might mean someone wouldn’t make a good tenant, but he strongly advises that you never rely on first impressions or instinct alone
“ALWAYS credit check. ALWAYS contact the employer. And, ALWAYS contact the previous landlord or agent,” he says. “One of our best tenants first walked into the office dressed in baggy jeans, earrings and with a skateboard under his arm. One of our worst was a company director whose business failed!”
So, where are these ‘perfect’ tenants and how do we find them?
“Use an agent,” says Paul. “A reputable long-established Lettings Agent will have a lot of practise at weeding out the undesirables. A landlord who lets only once or twice a year will not have the wealth of experience at recognising the signs of a less desirable tenant.” To find your nearest Belvoir office, visit the website at www.belvoirlettings.com
It’s also important to present your property in the best possible condition – it stands to reason that the best properties attract the best tenants. Kate Jackson says, “Ensure your property is modern, neutrally decorated and unfurnished but including white goods and, wherever possible, a dishwasher.”
And, of course, once you’ve found a good tenant you’ll want to keep hold of them. “Retain the best tenants by maintaining the property in the best possible condition. If you look after the property, so will the tenants,” advises Paul.
A long-term tenant is a valuable asset in a competitive rental market so Paul advises that you should also keep on top of all those little jobs that will help the tenant feel at home. “When the tenant reports maintenance problems, sort them immediately,” he says.
“Overall, make sure you have a good working relationship with them,” he continues. “Landlord/tenant relationships come down to one thing – communication. The tenant must be comfortable talking to the landlord and the landlord must ensure that the tenant understands what is expected of him.”
How to spot a less desirable tenant
- Bad references from their previous landlords
- Bad credit rating or CCJs
- Only looking for a short-term let
- Won’t meet up with the landlord in person
- No guaranteed monthly income
- Refuses to make their monthly payments by standing order
- Unwilling to take responsibility for minor maintenance and the garden
- General uneasy feeling about them
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