Increased rental checks could lock tenants out
Summary
The article reports that landlords are becoming more cautious in tenant selection following the Renters’ Rights Act, with more requiring guarantors and tighter affordability checks. Flatfair argues this may exclude otherwise suitable tenants, particularly those without access to family support or a guarantor, despite having sufficient income to pay rent.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors involved in lettings, valuation or landlord advice may see changing tenant-screening practices affect void periods, rental demand and affordability assessments. The article also highlights how new legislative constraints on upfront rent are shifting risk management toward referencing and guarantor arrangements.
Key points
- 32% of surveyed landlords said they have introduced guarantor requirements where they previously had not.
- 39% reported tightening tenant referencing or affordability checks.
- The Renters’ Rights Act restricts large upfront rent payments, generally limiting them to one month’s rent in advance after a tenancy agreement is signed.
- Flatfair warns that capable tenants may be excluded if they cannot provide a guarantor.
- The article suggests modern guarantor solutions may help balance landlord protection and tenant access.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
