At Greater London Properties, we truly understand that your property isn't just bricks and mortar; it's a significant asset and a part of your story. That's why finding the perfect tenant is absolutely key to its successful management and your peace of mind. In today's ever-evolving UK lettings market, especially with the upcoming changes from the Renters Reform Bill, the importance of comprehensive tenant referencing simply cannot be overstated.

The Real Impact of Getting it Wrong

We know that placing the wrong tenant can lead to a whole host of headaches and unexpected costs. Imagine:

• Rent Arrears: Financial instability can quickly lead to missed payments, impacting your cash flow and potentially leading to stressful, drawn-out eviction processes.
• Property Damage: A tenant who doesn't respect your property can cause significant damage, leading to expensive repairs and a dip in your property's value.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Issues with neighbours or breaches of tenancy agreements can create considerable stress for everyone involved and even lead to legal complications.
• Legal Challenges: With new legislation, landlords face increased responsibilities. An incorrectly vetted tenant could expose you to legal disputes, fines, and even damage your reputation.

The Renters Reform Bill, for instance, aims to strengthen tenants' rights and provide greater security. While this is a positive step for the industry as a whole, it also means landlords must be more diligent than ever in their initial vetting process. We believe that preventing issues before they arise is always far more effective and less stressful than trying to resolve them later.

Our Commitment: Building Long-Term Relationships, Not Just Quick Deals

This is precisely where Greater London Properties truly shines. We pride ourselves on being Accountable and Authentic, always prioritising long-term, successful landlord-tenant relationships over quick, transactional deals. Your peace of mind is our priority, and it's reflected in our meticulous approach to tenant referencing.

Unlike many agencies that outsource this critical function, GLP is proud to boast an in-house referencing team. This means we maintain direct control over the entire process, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and thoroughness. Our dedicated team is led by Jessica Tonoli, who has been an invaluable part of Greater London Properties for over five years. Jessica's extensive experience and deep understanding of the lettings market mean she brings unparalleled expertise and a caring approach to every reference check.

What Our In-House Referencing Involves:

• Comprehensive Income Verification: We meticulously check employment details, salary, and financial stability to ensure prospective tenants can comfortably afford the rent.
• Detailed Landlord References: We contact previous landlords to gain genuine insights into a prospective tenant's rental history, including payment punctuality, property care, and adherence to tenancy terms.
• Affordability Assessments: Beyond just income, we conduct thorough affordability assessments to ensure the rent-to-income ratio is sustainable, significantly reducing the risk of future arrears.
• Identity and Right to Rent Checks: Essential legal checks are performed to confirm identity and ensure tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK.
• Credit Checks: We conduct thorough credit checks to assess financial responsibility and identify any potential red flags.
• Social Media Platforms: are checked thoroughly to ensure tenants are who they say they are.

Our in-house team's dedication ensures that every potential tenant is rigorously vetted, providing you with genuine confidence and peace of mind. This proactive approach aligns perfectly with our values of being Ambitious in our service delivery and Approachable in our communication, ensuring you are always informed and supported every step of the way.

Greater London Properties: Your Home, Your Story, Our Expertise

With GLP, you’ll always deal with a director-led team that’s hands-on, approachable, and committed to great service. We pride ourselves on doing things properly — with honesty, accuracy, and genuine enthusiasm — and on delivering results you can rely on.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Jessica Tonoli directly and she can chat to you in more detail about what you can expect from her referencing.