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

Copyright 2021

by Andy

Staycations in Scotland

In this three-minute read, we share top tips for successful camping trips in Scotland or closer to home in Ayrshire.

Friday 2 July sees the start of the UK’s National BBQ Week – one of the Great British public’s favourite pastimes as well and checking out properties on Rightmove!   Whether it’s bangers, halloumi burgers or spicy cauliflower steaks on the menu, BBQs are the number one meal option when it comes to camping trips.

We’ve put together a list of essential items for a successful camping trip.

Prepare for all kinds of weather

We all are very well aware or how unpredictable our Scottish weather can be. However, there’s no such thing as bad weather if you’re appropriately dressed. But a lightweight rain coat and an extra sweatshirt are a good idea if the weather is unkind.

A travel-size games compendium might come in handy if rain forces you to retreat inside your tent.

Portable power bank

In an ideal world, camping trips should be full of wholesome fun; muddy knees, swinging on tree ropes and marshmallows by the campfire.

In reality, the kids still need their Peppa Pig fix or Instagram updates and you might need to keep an eye on work too.

So, to keep you connected, a portable charger is an absolute must-have   

First-aid kit

Be prepared for all manner of first-aid needs – nettles, insect bites, BBQ or sun-related burns, and don’t forget about the famous Scottish midges.

Kit yourself out with plasters, antibacterial cleansing wipes, healing cream, and maybe some paracetamol for the morning after. Better to be safe than sorry.

An extra loo roll (or two)

Not that we’re endorsing buying more than you need (we still remember the Covid-19 loo roll fiasco), but a couple in reserve is always sensible.

A gadget for everything

Don’t forget the corkscrew, imagine a camping trip with no wine!!  Or better still, invest in a Swiss army knife – opening tins is near on impossible without a can opener. And you never know when you might need that emergency nail file.

If you’ve got any camping tips to share, or even better, recommend your favourite campsite in Ayrshire or Scotland in general, get in touch with us here at Parkview Property Ltd.

Have a great weekend and Happy Fathers Day

by Andy