One of the most crucial steps is getting the paperwork right. If things aren’t done correctly and at the right time, this can have numerous consequences much further down the line including the inability to evict tenants!
The first part of this process is the referencing and right-to-rent checks. These essentially ensure that the tenant is suitable and allowed to rent the property. The referencing is done via an online platform called Goodlord. They will confirm the applicant’s income, their credit status and their residency. If they have rented before they will also attempt to obtain a landlord reference. All of this data is collected and verified so we are confident whether a tenant passes or not.
The right to rent check is a legally required check for all applicants over 18, regardless of where they come from. We have a few different systems in place to confirm an applicants right to rent depending on what their nationality is but in most cases, this is done with photo ID or other relevant documents. The outcome will tell us if some is allowed to rent in the UK and will also confirm if they have an unlimited right-to-rent or if further checks will be required in the future. Failure to carry out these checks can carry a criminal charge and fines!
Once everything is passed and we are confident that the applicant is able to rent the property, we will get their preferred moving date and confirm it with you. Once everyone has agreed, we will get contracts sent out alongside the relevant safety certificates, EPC and the latest government How-to-Rent Guide. This is done on the Goodlord platform, allowing everyone to read, review and sign. It is important to ensure are legal owners of the property are listed on the contract and sign them themselves. After everyone has signed, a copy will be sent to all parties.
Once signed, the applicant will be asked to make their first month’s rent payment and, if applicable, their deposit payment.
Whilst all of this is being processed, your property manager will book in a full photographic inventory for a few days before the agreed move in date. This will catalogue the properties condition, fixtures and fittings and meter readings, giving us great start point to the tenancy for any future enquiries or deposit claims. We will also be checking the keys we have, ensuring there is one set per named tenant plus a set for us if we are managing it. You can provide these or we can get them cut and just take the cost from the first month’s rent.