Tenant referencing costs vary depending on the provider and the level of service required, but it typically ranges from £20 to £50 per tenant. Finding suitable tenants is crucial for landlords, as it determines the success of their property investment.
Tenant referencing is an essential part of the tenant selection process. It helps landlords verify the identity, credit history, employment status, and rental history of potential tenants. The cost of tenant referencing varies depending on the provider and the level of service required.
In this article, We will explore tenant referencing costs in more detail and help you decide which provider and service level are best for your needs.
Understanding Tenant Referencing
When renting out a property, it’s important to make sure you choose the right tenants. One way to do this is through tenant referencing.
What Is Tenant Referencing And Why Is It Important?
- Tenant referencing is the process of checking a tenant’s suitability to rent a property.
- It involves checking the tenant’s financial and rental history, employment status, and any potential risks they might pose.
- Tenant referencing is important because it can help landlords make informed decisions about who they rent their properties to, minimizing the risk of rental arrears, property damage, or other problems.
The Different Types Of Tenant Reference Checks
There are three main types of tenant reference checks:
Credit checks
These checks look at the tenant’s credit history, including any debt they may have, and determine their creditworthiness.
Employment references
Employers are contacted to confirm the tenant’s employment status, salary, employment history, and prospects of job security.
Landlord references
These references provide insight into the tenant’s previous rental history to see if they paid rent on time, kept the property in good condition, and caused any issues during their tenancy.
Who Is Responsible For Paying For Tenant Referencing?
The cost of tenant referencing can vary depending on the provider you choose and the level of service you require.
Ultimately, the landlord is responsible for paying the cost of tenant referencing, but they sometimes pass some or all the costs to tenants by adding it to rent or deposit.
It is important to inform tenants about tenant referencing fees before applying for their tenancy.
Tenant referencing is a crucial process for landlords, as it helps assess whether a potential tenant is suitable to rent a property or not.
There are different types of reference checks ranging from employment, creditworthiness to rental history checks. While tenants are responsible to bear the cost of inventory as well as utility bills, the landlord is responsible for the cost of tenant referencing.
However, in practice, the landlord may include this cost in the rent or deposit, but in evidence, the tenants are always informed beforehand.
How Much Does Tenant Referencing Cost?
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Tenant Referencing
The cost of tenant referencing is not fixed and can vary depending on different factors. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of tenant referencing are:
Number of tenants
If you are renting out a property to multiple tenants, the cost of referencing each tenant can add up, increasing the total cost.
Type of property
The type of property you are renting out can also affect the cost of tenant referencing. For instance, if you are renting out a high-end property, you might need to do more extensive background checks, which can increase the cost of referencing.
Reference type
There are different types of references available, such as credit checks, previous landlords’ checks, and employment history checks. The more information you need, the higher the cost of referencing.
Reference provider
Different referencing companies charge different fees, so it is important to do your research before selecting a company.
Average Cost Of Tenant Referencing In Different Regions/Countries
The cost of tenant referencing can vary depending on the region or country you are in. Here are some examples of the average cost of tenant referencing in different regions/countries:
- Uk: In the UK, the average cost of tenant referencing is around £150-£200 per tenant.
- USA: In the USA, the average cost of tenant screening can range from $25 to $75 per applicant.
- Australia: In Australia, the average cost of tenant screening is around $50-$100 per applicant.
It’s essential to remember that these costs are just estimates and can vary depending on the referencing company and the specific services you require.
Cost Comparison Of Different Tenant Referencing Companies/Providers
When it comes to choosing a tenant referencing company, it’s essential to do your research and compare the costs. Here are some examples of different tenant referencing companies/providers and their costs:
- Openrent: Openrent offers a comprehensive tenant referencing service for £20 per tenant.
- Experian: Experian’s tenant screening service costs £30 per tenant and includes a credit check and a financial profile.
- Rentprep: Rentprep charges $18.95 per applicant, which includes a credit check, eviction history, and criminal history.
Frequently Asked Questions For How Much Does Tenant Referencing Cost
What Is Tenant Referencing?
Tenant referencing is the process of verifying a prospective tenant’s identity, employment, rental history, and creditworthiness.
Why Is Tenant Referencing Important?
Tenant referencing helps landlords assess the risk of renting to a particular tenant and can help avoid problems such as non-payment of rent, property damage, and eviction.
How Much Does Tenant Referencing Cost?
Tenant referencing costs can vary depending on the service provider and the depth of the referencing. Generally, expect to pay between £20 and £50 per tenant.
What Information Is Obtained During Tenant Referencing?
Tenant referencing includes obtaining information such as credit history, employment and income verification, rental history and past landlord references, and criminal background checks.
Conclusion
Unlocking the mysteries of tenant referencing costs is crucial. Understandably, you might encounter variations ranging from free services to a hundred dollars, primarily depending on the depth of the check.
But remember, it’s a small price for securing your property and peace of mind.