Finding a smashing tenant is the holy grail of being a landlord. Someone who pays their dues like clockwork, respects your gaff like it’s Buckingham Palace, and perhaps even leaves a cracking Victoria Sponge on the doorstep come Christmas (though we won’t hold our breath). But how do you avoid ending up with a tenant who’s more dodgy than a dodgy dodgy bloke down the pub? Worry not, dear reader, for this guide will equip you to spot those tell-tale signs before they turn into full-blown eviction nightmares.
Red Flag #1: The Rent Ninja
This applicant appears out of the blue, desperate to move in faster than you can say “cheerio,” especially if the rent’s a bit of a steal. They might even offer a wad of cash upfront. Now, this reeks of “suspicious sausage roll,” doesn’t it? A decent tenant will happily follow the proper application process and understand market rates. They’re not here to pull a fast one, just find a decent kip.
Red Flag #2: The Employment Enigma
The applicant’s employment history resembles a game of Kerplunk – all over the place with unexplained gaps and frequent jumps. Proof of income? More like proof of a dodgy printer. This could suggest difficulty holding onto a job, which translates to difficulty paying the rent. Not exactly the ideal situation, is it?
Red Flag #3: The Reference Revenant
References are provided, but when you reach out, you’re met with the sound of tumbleweeds. Or worse, the references paint a picture of a tenant who left a trail of destruction and unpaid rent in their wake. A reliable tenant will have verifiable references who sing their praises, not mutter under their breath about unpaid utility bills.
Red Flag #4: The Application Acrobat
The application looks like it was filled out by a badger with a hangover. Missing information, contradictory answers, and a general sense of “couldn’t be bothered” permeate the document. A slapdash application suggests a slapdash tenant who might not take the best care of your lovely gaff.
Red Flag #5: The Rude Roommate
The applicant shows up late, treats your property like a muddy football pitch, and argues the toss about everything from the colour scheme to the existence of squirrels in the garden. If they treat you this way during the screening process, imagine how they’ll treat your property (and the poor sods next door) once they’ve moved in. No one fancies that kind of aggro, do they?
Remember: Red flags are just that – warnings. A minor blip, like a short employment gap, can be explained away. But a constellation of red flags or a nagging feeling in your gut is a good reason to politely decline their application. There’s a whole sea of potential tenants out there, no need to settle for a stormy relationship.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to have a chinwag! A decent tenant will be happy to answer your questions in a straightforward and honest manner. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make a cracking decision about who gets to call your place home.
By keeping your eyes peeled for these red flags, you can avoid a right old kerfuffle and find a tenant who makes being a landlord a doddle. Now go forth and rent with confidence (and maybe a brolly – you never know with the British weather)!