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Some points to prevent problem tenants:
(1) Before you grant a tenancy, make sure you have your tenants vetted properly. You can instruct a "tenant credit and referencing" company do this for you.
It is not expensive and well worth the money. The cost is about £30 and you may have the results back the same day. The typical checks included are CCJ, Bankruptcy, Electoral roll and a scan to see if your prospective tenants are showing a bad credit history at undisclosed previous addresses.
We recommend before you let your property, that you should have your potential tenants vetted properly. It may save you money and stress.
(2) Do not grant, if possible a tenancy longer than six months. If it is longer than 6 months you should add a 6 months break clause.
(3) Obtain evidence to identify the tenants who want to take up the tenancy, to establish they are who they say they are.
(4) If possible, get all the adult intended occupants to sign the tenancy, as they will all be joint and severally responsible for the tenancy.
(5) Get the tenants to provide a guarantor (this comes free when purchasing our tenancy agreement)
(6) If you want your property back at the end of the tenancy, because you need it to live in as your main residence. Make sure you have a clause stating the same drafted within the tenancy agreement. This may help you gain possession easier should you require it.
(7) If possible do not let the property fully or partially furnished. Why? You will be liable to have repaired the fridge, freezer, washing machine etc. Each time it goes wrong.
(8) Serve a section 21 notice at the same time you grant the written tenancy to the tenants. Ensure you get them to sign your copy of the section 21 notice as evidence that they have received a copy.
(9) Always keep your copies of the tenancies and notices safe.
(10) To avoid dispute always insist the rent is paid into your bank account and avoid cash, this will avoid any contention as to what rent was paid, or not paid.
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