How Do Landlords Choose Tenants in the UK?

Choosing the right tenant is key for landlords in the UK. A good tenant means steady rental income, a well maintained property and less hassle for the landlord. But how do landlords choose tenants when there are multiple applicants? In this post we’ll go through the criteria and process landlords use to select tenants, legally and with peace of mind.

Table of Contents

Tenant selection

1. Initial Screening

The first step in choosing a tenant is the initial screening. This usually starts with the application form where tenants provide information about their employment, income, rental history and references. Landlords use this to rule out candidates who don’t meet the basic criteria.

2. Credit and Background Checks

A credit check shows a tenant’s financial reliability. Landlords look for a history of on time bill payments, a good credit score and low levels of debt. A background check will show any criminal history which may impact the landlord’s decision depending on the severity and relevance of the past offences.

3. Employment and Income Verification

Landlords will often verify employment and income to ensure tenants can afford the rent. A common rule of thumb is that the tenant’s monthly income should be at least three times the rent. Some landlords may also contact the employer to confirm job stability and income details.

4. Reference Checks

References from previous landlords are gold dust. They can give insight into the tenant’s behaviour, reliability and care of the property. A good reference from a previous landlord can make a huge difference to a tenant’s application.

5. Personal Interviews

Meeting the tenant in person or via video call can give the landlord a better feel for the person. This can also clear up any doubts from the application form and allow the landlord to see how the tenant will communicate and interact in the future.

Making the Decision: Choosing Between Tenants

1. Financial Stability

When you have multiple applicants, you compare financial stability. Higher income, stable job or large savings can make one applicant more attractive than another. It means they can deal with unexpected expenses and still pay rent even if they have a temporary financial hiccup.

2. Rental History

A good rental history is a good sign of a good tenant. You compare applicants’ history to see who has paid rent on time and caused less issues in previous rentals.

3. Compatibility

Some landlords might consider how a tenant will fit in with other tenants in a multi-tenant property or the neighbourhood. For example, a family might be preferred in a family friendly area, while young professionals might be ideal in a city centre.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Can a Landlord Pick Their Tenants?

Yes, landlords can pick their tenants but they must follow the law. In the UK it is illegal to discriminate against tenants on the grounds of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age. Decisions should be based on financial stability, rental history and references.

Fair and Transparent

To avoid accusations of discrimination, landlords should have a documented process for tenant selection. This means having set criteria for income, credit score and references which are applied to all applicants.

Ready for picking?

Picking the right tenant is a mix of objective and subjective. By doing thorough tenant screening and following the law, landlords can find tenants who are reliable, financially stable and a good fit for the property. Whether through credit checks, reference calls or personal interviews, each step of the process helps landlords make informed decisions.