SCREENING TENANTS AND CREDIT SCORES

13th July 2020
Home > News > SCREENING TENANTS AND CREDIT SCORES

Landlord

There are many factors involved in a landlord achieving success in their industry, but the standard of tenant is crucial. With a trustworthy and dependable tenant who pays on time and who treats the property with respect, the role of the landlord becomes much more manageable.

 

However, if your tenant doesn’t pay on time or treats the property poorly, it can make being a landlord an ordeal. Therefore, landlords need to minimise this risk, and this is why screening tenants and examining credit scores is vital.

 

Not every landlord feels comfortable in vetting tenants and checking credit scores. However, the risks associated with not doing so are too high to consider. Therefore, if you are unwilling to carry out these checks as a landlord, you need to employ the services of someone who will

 

At Bluestone Properties, we are more than willing to provide you with tenant screening and vetting services.

 

 

Why should a landlord run a credit check?
All landlords want to receive rent when they let property, and they want to minimise the risks associated with a void period or having a bad tenant in place.

 

There is no way for a landlord to feel 100% confident about selecting a tenant to stay in their rental property, but carrying out a credit check and vetting prospective tenants allows landlords to make an informed decision.

 

A thorough check will review an applicant’s ability to pay rent each month, whether they have a history of failing to pay rent, and what their personality is like.

 

When you have an understanding of what a person is likely to offer, you have a higher chance of selecting the most suitable tenant for your rental property.

 

 

What are good credit scores for tenants?
With the scoring process ranging between 300 and 900, there is a bit of leeway when it comes to the numbers a person can achieve. The Tenant Verify score range is as follows:

 

·         Accept - Good Score - 631 – 750

 

·         Caution - Accept with qualifications - 551 – 630

 

·         Decline - Score indicates a high risk - 500 – 550

 

Anything above 630 is deemed as an acceptable score for the credit check element of the vetting process, but a score of just below this should be examined more carefully.

 

There might be reasons why a person’s score is deemed a risk, but they are worthy of letting property to. For these candidates, look at other aspects of their application, and their current status to determine if they are likely to be a risk or not.

 

Sometimes, a credit score is significantly damaged because of activities in a person’s past which might not be relevant in the present day. Of course, if a person has had problems in the past, it is only natural there will be concerns about their finance in the future.

 

 

We offer a range of letting services to landlords in South London, including tailored options which ensure you receive the best support at all times. If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local buy-to-let market, please contact Bluestone Properties today by calling us on 0208 355 3405, emailing us at info@bluestoneproperties.co.uk


Share this article

Related News

26/08/2026
How Landlords and Tenants Can Tackle Damp and Mould: A Practical Guide for UK Rental Properties

Damp and mould are more than cosmetic problems. Left untreated, they can damage walls, flooring, furniture and other parts of a property, while prolonged exposure to mould can also create health risks. For landlords in London, UK, dealing with these problems promptly is an important part of protecting both the property and the people living in it.For tenants...

Read More
03/01/2026
Curb Appeal in the Cold Making a Great First Impression in Winter

When winter arrives, it can be tempting to think curb appeal no longer matters. Gardens rest, daylight shortens, and cold mornings can make even the smartest property look tired. Yet first impressions count just as much in winter as they do in spring or summer. In some ways, they matter more. A home that feels cared for during the coldest months sends a stro...

Read More
09/10/2025
A Guide to the UK's Renters' Rights Bill

As a nation where more than one in five households rents privately, the UK is finally seeing some long-overdue changes to the rental market. If you're a tenant navigating the often tricky world of landlords, deposits, and endless viewings, the Renters' Rights Bill – currently making its way through Parliament – could be a game-changer. This legis...

Read More
13/12/2025
How to Negotiate Rent Fairly

Renting a property can be stressful, especially when it comes to agreeing on the price. Whether you are moving to a new flat or renewing a lease, negotiating rent fairly is an important skill. Doing it well can save you money and ensure a positive relationship with your landlord. This guide offers practical advice, drawing on examples from South London, UK,...

Read More