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How To Avoid Bad Tenants

https://youtu.be/f8_B6D6DxWE

New landlords often flirt with the idea of ditching traditional tenant selection processes and taking a DIY approach instead.

After all, there are so many ways to source tenants these days – like Gumtree or social media – why bother with anything else?

Trust us, side-stepping a formal selection process may seem like it might save you time, but it can be so much costlier in the long run.

Wind up with a bad tenant and you can expect:

Sleepless nights.
Sky-high legal bills.
Lost income.
Property damage.

Let me explain more about the risks of skipping proper reference and credit checks.

If you use an online platform like Gumtree

The internet has made it easier for landlords to find tenants, but not easier to find good tenants. Post an ad online, and you’ll get lots of responses – but many of them will be from time-wasters and con artists, not genuine candidates. Professionals are more likely to use a traditional bricks and mortar letting agent because they’re wary of getting ripped off in an online scam.

Tenants aren’t the only ones to fall prey to online scammers; landlords can be targets, too. Online crooks often use ‘to let’ adverts as ‘phishing’ opportunities. They pose as tenants to get as much information as they can about you and your vacant property, before they get to work fleecing you.

If you let to a mate or relative after asking around on social media

You may be tempted to ask your contacts on WhatsApp or Facebook if they’re looking for a place to rent. But be warned: things can get very messy when you blur the lines between personal and professional. If things don’t work out, it could cause a major family fall-out or friendship rift.

Sometimes, when a landlord knows the tenant, they don’t bother with a contract. Please, never, ever do this. If you do get into a dispute later, your legal options will be limited.

Some buy-to-let mortgages prevent landlords from renting to a family member or friend. Always check the fine print before making a decision.

Insurance companies often get twitchy if the tenant is a relative. In some cases, your cover is invalidated if the tenant is a family member. In other circumstances, you won’t be covered if you haven’t conducted reference checks.

What’s the alternative?

Here at Parkview Property, we have a 5 star tenant selection process that offers you peace of mind and legal protection. It involves screening candidates by phone, in-person interviews, and rigorous reference, credit, and employment checks.

Remember, it’s never too late to screen your tenants – even if they’ve already moved in.

If you want to know more about our referencing procedures, please feel free to contact us here at Parkview Property Ltd Tel; 01292 442888

by Andy

How Technology Can Make Life Easier for Landlords in Ayrshire

In this two-minute read, we look at how technology can help landlords be more successful, do their bit for the planet, protect their tenants, and save money.

From smart TVs to one-click shopping, technology makes life a whole lot easier than it was 20 years ago for the average person.

It also has many benefits for private landlords and their tenants.

Here are our top tech tips.

Remote viewings

There has been a surge in online viewings due to Covid-19. Pre-recorded tours mean prospective tenants can view properties at their leisure and your convenience – and on more than one occasion.

Energy efficiency

Being green has been all the rage for years, and prospective tenants will be impressed if their new home has a good EPC rating. You could possibly achieve a higher rent if your property is fitted with innovative energy-saving technology, and you’ll be able to attract eco-conscious, high-quality tenants.

Smart meters are already commonplace, while smart thermostats and energy-efficient lightbulbs are some of the other ways you could potentially save money.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Landlords are legally required to ensure properties are fitted with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. But now, with intelligent detectors, landlords can be sent notifications to their phone if there’s a problem. These notifications can also be set up by your tenants on their phones, giving them extra peace of mind.

Home security

One of the biggest worries for any homeowner, let alone a landlord, is a property’s security. The good news is there are devices out there to protect both your property and your tenants’ belongings, meaning you can both sleep well at night.

Motion sensors can alert you to unexpected intruders. Simultaneously, remote security cameras can be linked to Wi-Fi, meaning it’s easy to keep tabs on the outside of your property from your phone – especially useful during any dreaded void period.

Of course, when it comes to security your tenants’ privacy must always be respected.

You might even want to think about installing smart locks. These can reduce the risk of lost keys and the chances of you, or a costly locksmith, being called out at any time of the day (or night).

The Best Thing A Landlord Can Do

While technology can give landlords a big helping hand, using an experienced, qualified, and conscientious letting agent remains the best move you can make for a successful tenancy.

Here at Parkview Property, we’re experts in all things letting.

And if you’re a bit daunted by any of the above, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know.

LARN 2010001