At Think Property & Co, our real estate specialists go the extra mile to ensure that physical safety and asset protection is a priority for tenants, landlords and agents alike. To minimise risk and improve outcomes, we recognise the importance of conducting thorough and accurate tenant reference checks. This TP & Co blog explores the various screening approaches we enlist to ensure the ideal tenant is selected for your property.
PREVIOUS LANDLORDS OR AGENTS:
First and foremost, we call or email parties involved in current or previous tenancies, including private landlords and estate agents. Receiving a first-hand reference from those who have experienced leasing or selling to the tenant in question can provide rich insight, sparing future headaches.
THE BIG R:
We are all about the research! It’s important to Google the current and/or previous address provided, ensuring correct agents are on the listing concerned. It’s crucial to ensure the tenant has provided accurate agent or property manager details – and not their friend or relative’s details. It’s alarming how often we have found this to be the case!
COPY THAT:
It’s ideal to request a copy of the Rental Lodgement Agreement relating to current or past properties, and any additional supporting documents that may be useful. Thoroughly examine these files to ensure all information provided by the tenant is accurate.
EMPLOYER REFERENCE:
Contact the tenant’s current or past employer. It’s important to confirm the tenant is or was employed at the location/s that have been provided. Ask appropriate questions pertaining to their reliability, terms of employment and salary.
1 FORM:
Think Property & Co action our reference checks via 1form.com.au. This is a useful resource that provides online Rental and Tenancy Application Forms. The account verification features – for both property managers and tenants – serve to streamline the screening process and safeguard legitimacy.
BE WARY OF:
- Criminal History: Landlords are within their legal rights to deny an applicant based on their criminal record, should the past crime specifically demonstrate a lack of respect for the property or safety of residents. However, landlords are not legally entitled to deny an applicant purely for having a criminal record.
- Hesitation: The tenant is hesitant or refuses to provide requested documents, such as proof of income or other necessary financial details. This may be an indication that false information has been provided.
- Employment History: If a tenant’s employment has been terminated from several workplaces or they show an inconsistent employment history, this could mean an unstable income which may result in payment issues arising.
- Dishonesty: When a tenant provides dishonest and inconsistent answers throughout the screening process, it suggests that these traits are likely to continue and a difficult tenancy will ensue.