How to choose the right tenant for your rental property

How to choose the right tenant for your rental property

Rental properties are currently experiencing huge demand with most properties receiving multiple applications.  Finding the right tenant can play a large factor in securing a reliable rental income at the best price for your property.  But how as a landlord, do you ensure you find the right person for your property?

Consider who your property would appeal to…

A one-bedroom property in the centre of King’s Lynn without parking but within walking distance of Norfolk Street nightlife is going to appeal to a different demographic to a 3-bedroom detached house with garden in the Woottons within walking distance of the primary school.  Knowing the type of tenant your property is likely to appeal to will help you market it at an achievable price and also giving you food for thought when it comes to other aspects that will affect your applicants’ decision to apply.  For example, the ideal family may come with pets, but this comes with its own risks and rewards (which we will look at in a future article).  At Brittons we are always happy to advise on such aspects.

…But abide by the law.

The Equality Act (2010) requires that all prospective tenants are treated equally and that individuals aren’t discriminated against due to any ‘protected characteristics’, such as sex, race, disability or gender.  Advertising a rental property as “No DSS” (or similar) is deemed to be discriminatory.  Again, a reputable letting agent will be experienced in marketing property in line with such legislative requirements.

Advertise in the right places

To get the best applicants to apply for your property, your listing needs to be seen by the widest possible relevant audience.  At Brittons, we list our properties on property portals as well as our own website and social media platforms.  And don’t forget traditional channels: we get enquiries coming from Your Local Paper listings and from our prominent office window on the Tuesday Market Place.

Ask the right questions

Once your property is on the market, you want to ensure that your attention is given to an applicant who will be able to pay the rent and who will best suit your own needs as a landlord (for example, are you renting your property as a long-term investment, or just as an interim measure?).  At Brittons, we request applications in principle where prospective tenants are asked for information about their income and affordability, credit history and who would be living in the property (including details of children and pets, as well as those who would be named on the tenancy agreement).  This gives you the best like-for-like information as a landlord to make the best choice for your property.

And check their validity

Of course, anyone can claim what they want when it comes to making an application, so thorough referencing is highly recommended to ensure that everything claimed can be backed-up.  Landlords also have a requirement to carry out a Right to Rent check on tenants, and this can be a complex piece of legislation depending on the tenants’ circumstances.  Appointing a letting agent to undertake these checks can offer piece of mind that all claims are in order and the tenancy can proceed.

All of these services are available as part of our marketing package.  Our experience and knowledge of lettings within the local property market puts us in an ideal position to find the best tenant for you.  To find out more, give us a call on 01553 692828 and let Brittons let for you.