Landlords advised to check tenant's credentials

Posted: 22 Jul 2008 13:30:45 GMT

Landlords need to make sure they carry out checks on prospective tenants to avoid becoming victims of rental arrears.

That is the advice from the National Landlords Associations (NLA) who provide buy-to-let investors with a service that allows them to verify the identity and employment status of prospective tenants.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, explained the benefits of the NLA Tenant Check: "NLA Tenant Check is a simple and affordable tool which allows landlords to reduce the risk of possible future problems with rent arrears and gives them the opportunity to paint a clearer picture of their prospective tenants."

The system allows landlords to check the credit history of would-be tenants and "serves as a guide as to whether they can afford to pay the rent".

There are two services available, one of which offers landlords a bankruptcy and County Court judgment search, and the other gives more detailed information and written confirmation of employment and their income.

According to the NLA, now is a good time to invest in checks because of the "increases in demand for decent and affordable rental accommodation".

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