Finding a good tenant really matters for any landlord. Choosing the right person can save you time, money, and stress, while the wrong choice can lead to late payments, property damage, or even court disputes. Careful screening is therefore essential. By following a clear step-by-step process, you can protect your property and make the entire rental journey much smoother.
Everything begins with your property advert. A clear and detailed listing helps attract the right applicants and discourages unsuitable ones. Be upfront about the rent amount, the deposit, and the length of the lease. State clearly whether the property is furnished or unfurnished, and whether utilities are included. If you have rules such as no pets or no smoking, mention them right away rather than later.
Good photos, and ideally a floor plan, also make your property stand out. A transparent, well-prepared listing shows professionalism, reduces wasted time, and avoids pointless viewings.
When someone applies, get them to complete a detailed application form. This should include information about their current employment, income level, and rental history. Always keep the process compliant with data protection regulations, and avoid any questions that could breach the Equality Act 2010. Once completed, this application gives you a foundation for assessing whether the applicant is financially stable and suitable.
Affordability is one of the most important factors. Landlords usually expect tenants to earn at least two-and-a-half to three times the monthly rent. To confirm this, ask for payslips, bank statements, or an employment letter. For self-employed applicants, recent tax returns or accounts will provide proof of income. A quick call to the employer can also verify that the tenant is genuinely employed and earning what they claim.
A tenant’s past behaviour is often the best indicator of how they will treat your property. Contact previous landlords to ask whether rent was paid on time, whether the property was cared for, and whether proper notice was given before moving out. Consistently positive feedback suggests reliability. However, if an applicant avoids giving landlord references, that should raise immediate concerns.
Credit checks reveal how a tenant manages money, highlighting issues such as unpaid debts or County Court Judgements. These do not always mean you should reject an applicant, but they do signal risks you must consider. Background checks can also uncover serious issues that may influence your decision. Always use a trusted referencing service and make sure you obtain the tenant’s written consent before carrying out any checks.
Paperwork tells part of the story, but meeting the applicant gives you valuable insight. Whether in person or via video call, pay attention to their professionalism, punctuality, and the questions they ask about the property. These impressions add context to the data you have already collected and help you make a more informed choice.
While instinct plays a role, always keep decisions fair and lawful. If something feels off, look into it further, but never reject an applicant for reasons that could be discriminatory. Base your decision on affordability, references, rental history, and your overall impression of the tenant’s reliability.
Traditionally, this process can take weeks and involve a lot of back-and-forth. At Orange Estates Solutions, we simplify everything with our platform. Potential tenants can view your listing on our website, book a viewing at their convenience, submit an application, complete checks, and—once approved—sign their Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) online. What used to be a drawn-out process is now quick, seamless, and fully transparent.
Securing the right tenant is the foundation of rental success. By creating a clear advert, collecting detailed applications, verifying income, checking references, running background checks, and balancing instinct with evidence, you avoid costly problems later. With Orange Estates Solutions, landlords and tenants benefit from a streamlined, professional, and stress-free experience—from listing to signed tenancy.