How to Choose the Right Tenant
Finding a tenant is easy. Finding the right tenant is what protects your property, your income, and your peace of mind.
With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, it is more important than ever to get this stage right. Once a tenancy is in place, regaining possession is becoming more complex, so careful tenant selection at the outset is key.
At Samuel Estates, we take a thorough and common sense approach to referencing. It is not just about ticking boxes. It is about building a clear picture of who will be living in your property.
What a Proper Tenant Reference Should Include
A strong referencing process should cover the following areas:
• Credit check
This highlights any missed payments, defaults or County Court Judgements. Not every issue is a deal breaker, but patterns and recent activity need to be understood.
• Employment and income verification
Confirming a tenant’s job, salary and stability is essential. We look at whether their income comfortably supports the rent and whether their employment is secure.
• Previous landlord reference
This is one of the most valuable checks. Did the tenant pay rent on time. Did they look after the property. Would the landlord rent to them again.
• Right to Rent check
A legal requirement in England. Landlords must verify that tenants have the right to live in the UK and keep a clear record of these checks.
• Affordability assessment
As a guide, tenants should typically earn at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. Where this is not met, a suitable guarantor should be considered.
• Bank statements or supporting documents
These help verify income, identify spending habits, and provide additional comfort where needed.
Why Referencing Matters More Than Ever
With the changes being introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords need to be more cautious at the start of a tenancy. Once a tenant is in place, removing them can take longer and require stronger legal grounds. This means:
• You need confidence in the tenant’s ability to pay rent consistently
• You need reassurance they will look after the property
• You need to reduce the risk of disputes or arrears
A weak referencing process can lead to long term problems that are costly and time consuming to resolve.
Common Mistakes Landlords Make
We often see landlords rely too heavily on automated reports or make quick decisions based on limited information. Some common pitfalls include:
• Accepting a pass result without reviewing the detail
• Not speaking directly to previous landlords
• Overlooking gaps in employment or income
• Ignoring affordability concerns
• Rushing to fill a vacancy rather than waiting for the right tenant
Taking a little more time at this stage can save months of stress later.
How We Do It Differently
At Samuel Estates, we combine technology with experience. We use professional referencing platforms, but we do not rely on them alone. We:
• Cross check documents and application details
• Question anything that does not feel right
• Provide clear advice to landlords before a decision is made
Our role is to give you a balanced, honest view so you can make an informed decision.
A Better Outcome Starts Here
Being a good landlord starts with choosing the right tenant. A thorough referencing process reduces risk, protects your investment, and helps create a more stable and positive tenancy from day one.
If you are unsure whether your current process is robust enough, or you simply want a second opinion, we would be very happy to help.
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