What Makes a Good Check-in?

In this current climate, more people are renting their homes, due to the rising cost of house prices, and difficulty accessing mortgage finance.

Right to Rent

Before a property can be rented, the applicant will need to provide information and documentation to show they’ll be a good tenant and that they have a ‘right to rent’ in the UK; providing immigration documents or passport when starting or renewing a tenancy. These documents will also have to be provided for any other adults living with them, better known as a ‘right to rent check’.

References

References must also be provided to show that the property is affordable and that the tenant is reliable. A reference will usually have to be given from current or previous landlords, if renting through a letting agent, and the applicant’s employer, to show that they have a job and that is will continue, or if the applicant is self-employed, they may need to provide copies of their trading accounts and an accountant’s reference. Bank statements may also be necessary.

The applicant may still qualify to rent if they can prove that they have historically paid their rent on time, by showing their tenancy agreement, rent book and bank statements, and can explain why they cannot get a reference. They can ask for a ‘character reference’, as a letter from their employer or someone who knows them well, to show that they are reliable.

A guarantor will need to be provided, if the applicant has not rented before, to agree to pay the rent if the tenant doesn’t.

Credit Check

A credit check will need to be undertaken, to confirm if the applicant has had issues paying bills, although, permission must first be sought. It is less common practice for private landlords to run credit checks because this will make renting their property more time consuming.

A credit check should be run on the applicant before any fees are handed over to the letting agent, as if may not be possible for the applicant to receive any money back, should they fail their credit check, although it is still possible for the applicant to rend a property if their credit check has failed, as they may offer to pay a larger deposit, more rent in advance, or ensure a guarantor.

Check-in Inventory

One of the best ways to minimise disputes with tenants over the return of deposits at the end of the tenancy is to compile a clearly detailed and concise inventory at the start of every tenancy. If tenants are aware of the state of the property and the contents of the property has been itemised, they are more likely to ensure that the property is left in the same condition that it was let.

Inventories are paramount now that tenancy deposit schemes are in place across the UK, as they form critical evidence in cases of disputes.

At check in, the inventory should detail the current state of the property, including descriptions, age and condition of the fixtures, fittings and furnishings. This will help the landlord and letting agent compare the state of the property and check in and check out. The inventory must be clear enough for a third party to understand without them being present.

If an inventory was not carried out, or if it was insufficiently detailed, it will not be clear how the property should be left when vacated, which could then lead to a deposit dispute. This can prove stressful and costly for all parties concerned, so it’s always preferable to avoid this situation. This really does highlight the importance of a detailed inventory, with photographic evidence, which is then digitally embedded onto the inventory.

The tenancy agreement should specify who takes responsibility for the garden and its upkeep, and the levels for cleaning required at check out.

• A midterm inspection can also resolve any issues over a dispute.
• A clear and professional report should include:
• Property items and condition
• Schedule of condition
• Meter readings
• Any health and safety issues
• Keys handed to the tenant
• Detailed photographs
• Signatures

Can proptech help?

It can! More agents are investing in property habitation software for benefits that go beyond inventory reporting, which can save time and money for everyone involved and provide confidence that properties are fully FFHH covered – a small price to pay for an invaluable return.

KPR provides habitation software to ensure peace of mind and helps towards the smooth running of a letting agent’s portfolio, and includes:

• Professionally presented information sheets bearing your company branding offers tenants the tools to ensure that their upkeep of the property is sufficient.
• Automated scheduling and reminders, such as certificate expiration dates, and testing for smoke detectors and CO monitors, ensure every detail is covered.
• Offers tenants the ability to conduct their own Midterm report, saving agents time and minimising visits. 
• Secure storage for date and time-stamped documentation and certificates.
• Simple communication between agent and tenant, all in one place.
• Our automation software with reminders ensures that you stay compliant, so you never miss a deadline, and certificate renewals will never be overlooked.
• Our software features a tenant portal with exclusive access to direct communication between tenant and the managing agent and swift repairs reporting using a unique QR code for their property.

At KPR we understand the demands of the industry and strive to address the issues agents and property owners face. We have our own in-house development team with knowledge of modem technology and methodologies, which keep KPR software current, and always focusing on the next level.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can assist you and your business. feel free to speak with our helpful team today!

0208 542 2333

hello@kpr.global