The Challenge

How do you find the right tenant in the first place?
If this is the issue I would say that you should not be too much in a hurry to rent until you find the right person/s.

Most landlords will leave that up to somebody else but ensure that whoever you chose in your quest for good tenants, that person is honest trustworthy and experienced in this field. I find that most times you know this by doing your own research and talking with the individual.

For the landlords who prefers to find the tenant himself, research is vital, referencing properly i.e. Work reference (get a payslip or P60 or HM revenue and custom recent tax assessment), Bank reference (last 2 months bank statement), Character reference from previous landlord (although you may be given reasons why this was not possible, you should try and write to them anyway) Proof of ID must also be obtained and the best proof is a copy of the passport - which will then give conformation of date of birth, permission to reside in the uk and offer a true likeness of the individual’s identity.

Finally, get a utility bill or council tax statement to prove the individual lived at the address he gave you as his previous residence. For students you should always get parents guarantees where possible.