Landords - What is the most important question you can ask a potential tenant?

yqtwqxqm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

How much do you trust a previous LL reference?

They could be glad to get rid of them and pass the problem on.

On the other hand, they could be honest. LOL.

Ive lost count of the times we have covered that in the thread so far.

Spanish Eyes

Mr.S wrote: »

It's common practise that you need to produce bank statements (heavily redacted of course) before getting a place. Never got asked 4/5 years ago but now every place seems to ask for it. Private landlords might do it less, but 99% of all agencies will ask for bank statements.

Thanks, was thinking about private LLs.

I suppose a redacted statement showing rent paid previously is worth it.

But surely for Private LL that would breach Data Protection?

But then again, redacted might get over that. Seems such an invasion of privacy though, but these days might be so necessary.

No laws around it AFAIS. LL can ask for anything as long as it doesn't breach Equal Status Act. Ways around that too I think. Money wise anyway.

Spanish Eyes

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

Ive lost count of the times we have covered that in the thread so far.

You sound tired and fed up.

Unless a mod ticks me off I will ask what I want. You don't own the forum.

newacc2015

It is not a question, but if a tenant accepts the property as is and hands you a snag list/ list of random **** they want. Hand back the deposit immediately. Tenants who are issues from day 1 are an issue to the end. My parents had tenants who had a list of things they wanted a few months after they moved in eg a desk, chair and desk lamp for every room. Which is grand until you realise the house was literally across the road from the college and there was 6 bedrooms. My parents said no and 'randomly' DCC got a tip off that the house was not meeting housing standards 2 weeks later. DCC said the house didnt break a single housing code rule and house was in excellent condition.

If someone is demanding at the viewing, dont touch them at all

yqtwqxqm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Thanks, was thinking about private LLs.

I suppose a redacted statement showing rent paid previously is worth it.

But surely for Private LL that would breach Data Protection?

But then again, redacted might get over that. Seems such an invasion of privacy though, but these days might be so necessary.

No laws around it AFAIS. LL can ask for anything as long as it doesn't breach Equal Status Act. Ways around that too I think. Money wise anyway.

You ask them to email you references and "anything else they would like you to know about them".

Basically this is their opportunity to tell you that they are ideal tenants because of x, y and z.

If they dont include, i am working and not looking for rent allowance etc etc then you just dont get back to them.

You didnt directly ask for the info, but if a tenant doesnt offer up that info you assume rightly or wrongly that they are not who you are after.

yqtwqxqm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

You sound tired and fed up.

Unless a mod ticks me off I will ask what I want. You don't own the forum.

I dont mind you asking but if you read the thread you have already been answered. Just pointing out to scroll up for your answer.

Hazydays123

I'd be more interested in how low/high maintenance they are.

I've heard of tenants who think that their human rights are being violated because the property doesn't have a dishwasher whereas I lived in a place where the washing machine didn't work for 5yrs and I just went to a laundrette rather than bother my landlord.

The fridge stopped working too but I bought a new one myself because I had so much good will towards him.
The reason why I had good will? He treated me like an adult and didn't come near the place in 5yrs.

athtrasna

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

I dont mind you asking but if you read the thread you have already been answered. Just pointing out to scroll up for your answer.

Mod note

Well this mod will now ask you to leave the modding to the mods and remind you that the report post function is there if you have an issue with a post. Thank you

Spanish Eyes

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

Shows how vital it is that you get all the info to thoroughly check people out.
Always the possibility of getting it badly wrong, but you hope that you get good at it.
Its all about lowering your chances of getting screwed over, but you can never get that chance down to zero.
And its a lot harder now because my god does a landlord get mad suffer by the system we have now when they mess up and let bad tenants in.

I like to see bank statements. I can see the previous rent going out and a salary going in. Its up to the potential tenant to give me them. They dont have to, but again we are back to if someone else does and give it to me that allows me to be more certain with them, so they will be at an advantage.

We got references from near and far. Employer, previous LL and all that.

Got two months deposit, no problem (obviously not returned after 14 months default).

It's a gamble no matter what. And I am disappointed that the LL is treated so badly by RTB. Maybe not intentionally, but the length of time taken to resolve disputes, and then the legal cost of eviction in the end is just ridiculous.

yqtwqxqm

Hazydays123 wrote: »

I'd be more interested in how low/high maintenance they are.

I've heard of tenants who think that their human rights are being violated because the property doesn't have a dishwasher whereas I lived in a place where the washing machine didn't work for 5yrs and I just went to a laundrette rather than bother my landlord.

The fridge stopped working too but I bought a new one myself because I had so much good will towards him.
The reason why I had good will? He treated me like an adult and didn't come near the place in 5yrs.

If my brother doesnt hear from a tenant all year he calls around with a Christmas card and a cheque for €500.
If he does he calls around with a Christmas card and a bottle of wine.
Landlords love silence as long as the rent is paid on time.

yqtwqxqm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

We got references from near and far. Employer, previous LL and all that.

Got two months deposit, no problem (obviously not returned after 14 months default).

It's a gamble no matter what. And I am disappointed that the LL is treated so badly by RTB. Maybe not intentionally, but the length of time taken to resolve disputes, and then the legal cost of eviction in the end is just ridiculous.

Thats the nail in the coffin for a lot of landlords. Even the thought of it is enough for people to get out of the business.
Its why ive gone airbnb with my own.

Hazydays123

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

If my brother doesnt hear from a tenant all year he calls around with a Christmas card and a cheque for €500.
If he does he calls around with a Christmas card and a bottle of wine.
Landlords love silence as long as the rent is paid on time.

I'm getting a raw deal then! Never complain and rent always paid on time. I would never have behaved any differently- I suppose I was brought up that way.
I thought we were the norm as tenants but then I worked with a guy who rented out a property and he was asked by tenants to replace lightbulbs (!!), put in fitted wardrobes, replace carpets with wooden floors and purchase a new dishwasher. Madness.

I can't stress enough though that we always behaved in an exemplary manner because we felt like this was our home. And that was because the landlord didn't set down conditions like 3 monthly inspections. He let us get on with it and respected us as adult professionals.

yqtwqxqm

Hazydays123 wrote: »

I'm getting a raw deal then! Never complain and rent always paid on time. I would never have behaved any differently- I suppose I was brought up that way.
I thought we were the norm as tenants but then I worked with a guy who rented out a property and he was asked by tenants to replace lightbulbs (!!), put in fitted wardrobes, replace carpets with wooden floors and purchase a new dishwasher. Madness.

I can't stress enough though that we always behaved in an exemplary manner because we felt like this was our home. And that was because the landlord didn't set down conditions like 3 monthly inspections. He let us get on with it and respected us as adult professionals.

Maybe he rewarded you indirectly. For example maybe he didnt put the rent up as high as he could because he thought better to keep a good tenant than scare them away with a market rate rent increase.
Nowadays with the 2 year rule landlords are always going to put the rent up as soon as they can to the max, since they cant do it again for two years. So giving cash back to hassle free tenants i think is a nice gesture.

Hazydays123

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

Maybe he rewarded you indirectly. For example maybe he didnt put the rent up as high as he could because he thought better to keep a good tenant than scare them away with a market rate rent increase.
Nowadays with the 2 year rule landlords are always going to put the rent up as soon as they can to the max, since they cant do it again for two years. So giving cash back to hassle free tenants i think is a nice gesture.

He was always fair about the rent he set although he did buy into the recent increases (I don't blame him, he has a family to support) but he definitely reaped the rewards as he hasn't had to step foot inside this property for 5 yrs. There have been leaks etc which we reported to him. He sends somebody around, one of us takes the day off work (at our own expense), to save him the hassle, it's all resolved and we update him.

yqtwqxqm

Hazydays123 wrote: »

He was always fair about the rent he set although he did buy into the recent increases (I don't blame him, he has a family to support) but he definitely reaped the rewards as he hasn't had to step foot inside this property for 5 yrs. There have been leaks etc which we reported to him. He sends somebody around, one of us takes the day off work (at our own expense), to save him the hassle, it's all resolved and we update him.

If you were my tenant I would be good to you at Christmas

MarkAnthony

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Sorry, what landlord or tenant is going to give you bank statements. Maybe some do, but I would certainly object to my personal information being handed over whether I was a tenant or a landlord.

However, maybe folk have just resigned themselves to this nowadays.

My mother had tenants with all the bells and whistles, everything perfect. Of course you know what happened next. Fourteen months later they were eventually evicted. No rent for all that time, legal bills for mum, PRTB useless, and such hassle.

She sold the house in the end. So no more rentals there for folk looking for accommodation anyway.

We looked after the property for her as she is elderly and frail now. Nothing was ever a problem. Fixed asap and so on.

Feckers of tenants. Glad Mam is out of the game now. Far too stressful and prone to dodgy stuff where the LL is the villain in the eyes of PRTB anyway.

You you've experienced the issues first/second hand and you still don't see the reasoning? Regardless it is absolutely your right but it is still, and should remain the LLs right not to rent to someone without them.

As for bank statements I couldn't give two hoots see's mine. I have them on hand along with proof of ID and old bills at viewings so the tenant can satisfy themselves the mortgage is being paid.

In regard to my own personal account I'm more than happy to provide a list of what porn sites I've paid for in the last three months. If anyone wants your personal information it's generally very easy to get.

athtrasna

Not sure what's up with this forum today but can we please get back on topic. Thanks!

yqtwqxqm

Heres another one from my brother.

When they are viewing the place ask them are they happy to rent as is.
Assuming you have the place in rentable condition you will find out if they are looking for changes already. A bad sign.

If after they have moved in if they start looking for changes refer them to their answer to the question on day 1.

MarkAnthony

Mech1 wrote: »

Why dont landlords have to supply references from previous tenants to any prospective tenant?

Now that would be a step in the right direction!

Again, something I've asked of my tenants. The reason why they don't have to is the current market but there is no harm in being ready for the inevitable reversal.

Angel2016

My question would be have you references from your past landlords because if they do then that is a good sign as the previous LL will details if they were a good tenant and if rent was paid on time that is all you need to know.

I made the mistake renting my apt the first time not asking for references and they wrecked the place the second tenant had 2 references and I liked her she was reliable and trustworthy so she was the one I rented to.

TheDoc

Baby01032012 wrote: »

Ill explain it in simple terms...would you expect a bank to ignore bank statements or payslips when considering giving a mortgage over the property...no different for landlords...its a business and an investment..gut feelings dont come in to it

Landlords do not have data protection metrics in place to adequately store personal data, and are open to Data Protection breaching proceedings.

There is a massive difference between a bank, and a landlord when it comes to Data Protection.

While I'd never actually provide bank statements or payslips to a landlord out of me thinking its a nonsense, at best they could view the documentation in my presence. No way I'd be handing over copies.

Another just random requirement now entered in the mix, where typically neither party even comprehend the functions and infrastructure around data protection.

TheDoc

Mr.S wrote: »

I mentioned that point before on a different thread, i'd be very skeptical of sending landlords sensitive documents via email or hard copies. They can view them sure, but not keep.

Does a private landlord have to adhere to data protection laws? Businesses of course do,and most of the agencies probably break them tbh.

Redact everything you can that is not relevant to the LL.

Yes they do. I read these threads as a Data Controller for a large company, and I'm absolutely distraught at times reading what some Landlords write here.

It's incredible. Considering there is a new DPC, and there is new EU directives incoming about Data Protection, this practice will end shortly imo, or if its something landlords push to keep will end up with regulation.

noodler

yqtwqxqm wrote: »

Heres another one from my brother.

When they are viewing the place ask them are they happy to rent as is.
Assuming you have the place in rentable condition you will find out if they are looking for changes already. A bad sign.

If after they have moved in if they start looking for changes refer them to their answer to the question on day 1.

Not sure about that to be honest.

What if the timer on the emersion is broken?

The kettle, the fridge, the microwave, no hoover, I could go on.

There are a great many possible faults with a property that a LL should fix and they are not always visible in an initial viewing.

Im not saying you can retrospectively ask for a dishwasher or something but if a shower isn't fit for purpose, for example, and you have a trickle of water then I wouldn't have any qualms requesting the LL to rememdy the situation (install a power shower or some other acceptable alternative.)

Fian

TheDoc wrote: »

Yes they do. I read these threads as a Data Controller for a large company, and I'm absolutely distraught at times reading what some Landlords write here.

It's incredible. Considering there is a new DPC, and there is new EU directives incoming about Data Protection, this practice will end shortly imo, or if its something landlords push to keep will end up with regulation.

There is no prohibition under the data protection acts from asking a person to supply their personal data. You are restricted in the uses you can put their personal data to and the storage of it. Asking to see bank statements is not a problem. The prospective tenant has every entitlement to refuse if they do not wish to consent to providing it. The prospective landlord has every entitlement to choose another tenant.

Asking for their PPSN is different, that is specifically restricted under social welfare legislation.

Grolschevik

Fian wrote:

Asking for their PPSN is different, that is specifically restricted under social welfare legislation.

It is required for RTB registration.

wench

Grolschevik wrote: »

It is required for RTB registration.

It is, but you can only ask for it once a tenancy is agreed.
You can't ask as part of your application process.

Grolschevik

wench wrote:

It is, but you can only ask for it once a tenancy is agreed. You can't ask as part of your application process.

Are people doing that, in the application process?! For what possible reason?

MarkAnthony

Grolschevik wrote: »

Are people doing that, in the application process?! For what possible reason?

Not thinking things through tbh. It's of no use to a LL other than for registration.

TheDoc

Fian wrote: »

There is no prohibition under the data protection acts from asking a person to supply their personal data. You are restricted in the uses you can put their personal data to and the storage of it. Asking to see bank statements is not a problem. The prospective tenant has every entitlement to refuse if they do not wish to consent to providing it. The prospective landlord has every entitlement to choose another tenant.

Asking for their PPSN is different, that is specifically restricted under social welfare legislation.

Thats the issue I'm talking about. Totally cool for people to consent to sharing their information, as I said I'm sure tenants arrange for landlords to see copies of stuff in person, at the moment.

But its when landlords request copies of stuff via e-mail in advance and the likes, or take copies away.

And yeah as you say everyone has the right to walk away, I wouldn't entertain requests for bank details or payslips. But its mental how oblivious both sides of the fence can be with it.

Again, its probably just a pain point for me, with it being a part of my job

TheDoc

Grolschevik wrote: »

Are people doing that, in the application process?! For what possible reason?

i'd imagine a landlord asking for a PPSN in advance, probably knows someone in the Social Welfare department or the Guards and gets a check done on the sly or something. No other real reason I can think off.