For the DIY landlord, the prospect of renting out a property for the very first time can conjure nothing but anxiety and apprehension when you take into account the many horror stories doing the rounds about tenants turning bad! Now Sheffield lettings agents Belvoir, is offering its very best tips on avoiding nightmare tenants.
Non paying tenants, damage to the fixtures and fittings or a huge cleaning bill really could be the least of your worries if you let your property to the wrong people, and although landlords insurance can offer some protection, it will not avoid the stress involved with the whole ordeal.
Rick Flay, whose agency on Campo Lane in Sheffield specialises in letting properties in Sheffield, said: “Over the last few years I have heard from landlords who have mastered the art of letting out a property, and those who have suffered at the hands of their tenants, resulting in damaged properties or lengthy disputes. This is often caused by a lack of experience and knowledge on their part, which means that such crises can be overcome with a little know-how.
“A few years ago I heard the story of a landlord that allegedly rented out his property within a few days of it being advertised. Naturally he was chuffed, until he went to inspect it a few months later. The tenants had not only made themselves at home, but made a home for three dogs, four cats, a gerbil, a hamster, a house rabbit, a pot bellied pig which was found in the garden and a even a horse!
“It seems that the incidences of nightmare tenants seems to be on the rise in recent months from talking to other landlords and agents, but here at Belvoir Sheffield we truly believe that steps can be taken to avoid this in most cases.”
Belvoir Sheffield Top Tips For DIY Landlords Avoiding Nightmare Tenants:
1. Go and visit the tenant at their current property
This will give you a good idea of how your property will be treated if they do move in. If you walk into a house which has numerous pets and rubbish everywhere, chances are that they would treat your property in the same way.
2. Ask for a guarantor
This will almost guarantee that rent will be paid into your bank account each month – however, make sure you only accept guarantors who are in full time employment or are home owners.
3. References
If your potential tenant is employed, not on DSS or a student, ask them for a reference from their employer. Getting a reference from a previous landlord is also a great idea because then you will find out if they treated their last property with care and if they paid their rent on time!
4. Ask for a bank statement or payslip
You will need proof that your tenant can afford to live in your property – if they are genuine they will more than likely be accommodating to this request,
5. Go with your gut instinct
If you have a bad feeling about someone, there is probably a good reason for this. A person may look perfect on paper, but there may be something a little off, you have the right to refuse tenancy.
Rick an expert in landlord services in Sheffield, added: “By opting to let a property through a reputable lettings agent, it will reduce the likelihood of such horror stories occurring in the first place. For example we do really thorough credit checks such as checking for CCJ’s (County Court Judgements), talking to previous landlords, getting next of kin details in case tenants up and leave, ensuring that they are all in full time employment and that salaries quoted are genuine. Many landlords don’t check possible tenants thoroughly and as a result may suffer the consequences. Even if you want to look after your property yourself talk to an agent such as ours to get help with this credit checking process. Many tenants will come to your directly because they don’t want to be checked out.”
“When landlords come to Belvoir Sheffield, we offer them access to the most up to date legal advice available for free from our legal helpline. We also specialise in creating a professionally written inventory for them, including digital photographs to ensure that they are fully protected, should a dispute arise. ”
Belvoir Lettings Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.
For more information, please call 08452 60 40 90 or email us at sheffield@belvoirlettings.com
