The National Landlords Association has claimed that up to half of landlords have had a property abandoned by a tenant at some point. Thirty nine per cent said that this had happened in the last year, and more than a fifth said it had happened within the last six months. Of the landlords polled, 41% said that it had been more than two years since a tenant had abandoned one of their properties, suggesting that as they get more experienced, they are less likely to have people ˜doing runners"! The association have laid down guidelines for landlords to follow to prevent this from happening.
One of the recommendations suggests asking for a written reference from prospective tenants current employer, as this confirms that the tenant is a full-time employee and gives the landlord an additional contact should the tenant leave before the tenancy is up.
Our view
Whether it is employing a person or letting them rent your home or holiday home, if you do not check them out you run the risk of problems. Always get references.