Tenant screening – what to look out for?

For many people, letting out a property turns out to be quite a challenge. Wondering whether the person who wants to rent your flat will be a good tenant and take care of the home? Want to avoid unpleasant surprises? Before you hand over the keys, you should carefully vet the prospective tenant. In this article I suggest what information is worth verifying before signing the tenancy agreement, so that you can be sure you are making a good choice.

The tenant's identity – how to make sure you are signing the agreement with the right person?

The first step should be to confirm the tenant's identity. Ask to see an ID card or passport and write down the details: first name, surname, document number and registered address. This way you will know for certain who you are signing the agreement with.

Verify the prospective tenant's history

It is good practice to ask the tenant about their previous places of residence. You can ask for the contact details of their previous landlord, in order to get an opinion about the prospective tenant. Questions worth asking during the conversation are:

• did the tenant pay the rent regularly?
• did they keep the flat in good condition?
• were there any conflicts during the tenancy?

Check the tenant's financial capacity

When you want to take out a loan from a bank or buy something in instalments, you have to prove that you have a regular income. That is why sellers and bankers always ask for a certificate of earnings. With it, they can check whether you will be able to meet your repayments. It should be no different when renting out a property. A regular income is the indicator that lets you determine whether the tenant will pay the rent on time. You should ask for:

• a certificate of employment,
• bank account statements (e.g. from the last 3 months),
• information about other sources of income.

In the case of students or people without a regular income, you can ask for a guarantor or additional security, e.g. a larger deposit.

Sign a detailed tenancy agreement

A detailed and precise tenancy agreement is the key to avoiding misunderstandings. The document should include, among other things:

• the full details of both parties;
• the amount of rent, the payment deadline and the method of paying charges;
• the amount of the deposit and the rules for its return;
• the number of people who will live in the property;
• the tenant's obligations (e.g. keeping the flat in good condition, a smoking ban, etc.);
• the conditions for terminating the agreement.

Remember that a well-drafted agreement is your protective shield. It is worth consulting a lawyer to make sure it safeguards your interests. Also add a handover protocol in which you record the condition of the flat and its furnishings before the tenancy. It is a detail that can prove priceless in the event of a dispute.

Working with an estate agency

If you do not have the time or the skills to vet tenants, consider working with specialists. An estate agency in Katowice has experience in screening tenants and can provide greater security for the transaction.

Summary

Vetting a tenant is a process that requires attention, but it is necessary to avoid problems during the tenancy. Correct identification, an analysis of financial capacity and a detailed agreement are the foundations of a safe let. By applying the principles above, you can be more confident that the process will go ahead without unpleasant surprises.