Are you a good judge of character?

We all like to think that we’re good at assessing someone else’s character at the first meeting, but for a landlord this skill is vital. When you take on a new tenant, you’re trusting a stranger with your huge investment. Yes, you’ve got the protection of the law, but that’s something which helps you when problems have already occurred – it doesn’t stop them happening.

Let’s be honest, when you’re showing the potential tenant around your property, you’re both selling something. You’re selling the space, the location, the furnishings, they’re selling themselves and their ability to pay the rent. Both parties are going to emphasise the good stuff, but you’ve got a lot more to lose. It’s too easy to be fooled by a firm handshake and a reassuring smile. You need more to go on.

Behind that handshake and smile, there may be skeletons in cupboards: dodgy employment history, court orders and rock-bottom credit scores. To really make a sound judgement you need thorough referencing. You need appropriate questions asked and you need facts that are up-to-date and relevant. You need a reference that digs that bit deeper when it finds an area of concern and one that presents its findings to you clearly and simply, leaving you fully informed to make your final decision.

We’re LegalforLandlords, one of the brightest and best providers of tenant referencing for the rental property sector. Our service is great value, fast and flexible and unlike some providers, our references are available for any type of potential tenant. Whoever you are thinking of letting to, you can trust us to give you all the information you need.

Call us anytime on 0333 577 9050 or find us online at www.legalforlandlords.co.uk