Finding a tenant who will treat your property with care, pay their rent on time, and stay for a good length of time can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with the right approach, you can secure reliable tenants who make being a landlord a rewarding experience rather than a stressful one.
This guide walks through everything landlords need to know about spotting, attracting, and keeping good tenants.
Related: How to avoid losing a tenant?
Why do good tenants matter?
A good tenant isn’t just someone who pays rent promptly. They also:
- Respect your property and keep it in good condition
- Stay for longer, reducing costly void periods
- Communicate quickly if problems arise
- Help build trust and stability in your rental business
By contrast, a poor tenant can cost you thousands in arrears, damages, or legal fees. That’s why it pays to invest time upfront in finding the right fit.
Prepare your property first
Before advertising, make sure your property is appealing to the type of tenant you want to attract.
Carry out repairs and improvements
Small issues like dripping taps or scuffed paintwork can give the impression that you’re not a hands-on landlord. Fixing them shows tenants you care about your property and sets expectations for how they should look after it.
Think about kerb appeal
First impressions matter. A tidy garden, clean windows, and a fresh front door can make your property stand out.
Meet safety standards
Make sure you have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, electrical safety report, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These aren’t just legal requirements, but they reassure tenants that their safety comes first.
Related: How to prepare your property for new tenants?
Advertise in the right places
How you market your property makes a big difference to the type of tenants you attract.
Use professional photography
Bright, high-quality images help your property stand out online. Photos should reflect a clean, well-maintained space that tenants can imagine themselves living in.
Write a clear and honest description
Include details about the property size, layout, and features. Be upfront about any limitations, such as limited parking or no pets allowed, to avoid wasting time later.
Choose the right platforms
Listing with a trusted local estate agent like Lovelle ensures your property reaches reliable applicants. We advertise on major property portals and match homes with tenants already registered on our books.
Screen tenants carefully
Good tenants don’t just appear by luck, they’re found through thorough vetting.
Reference checks
Always ask for references from previous landlords or letting agents. These give insight into how tenants treated past properties and whether rent was paid on time.
Related: What happens during tenant referencing?
Employment and income checks
A steady income is essential. Ideally, tenants should earn at least 2.5–3 times the monthly rent. Employment checks help confirm their ability to afford the property.
Credit checks
A credit check highlights any history of missed payments or insolvency. While not the only deciding factor, it’s an important part of building a full picture.
Right to rent checks
By law, landlords in England must check whether tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK. This involves verifying and keeping copies of approved ID documents.
Related: Right to rent explained
Meet tenants in person
A viewing isn’t just for tenants to see the property, it’s also your chance to assess them.
- Do they arrive on time?
- Do they ask sensible questions?
- Do they show genuine interest in the property?
Trust your instincts, but also remember that personal impressions should be balanced with formal checks.
Consider who the property suits best
Some tenants will be a better fit for your property than others.
- One-bedroom flats often suit young professionals or couples.
- Family homes may attract tenants looking for long-term stability, especially if near good schools.
- City centre flats are popular with commuters and students.
By understanding who your property appeals to, you can target marketing and set expectations clearly.
Work with a letting agent
Many landlords prefer to leave tenant finding to the professionals.
Benefits of using Lovelle
- We carry out thorough tenant referencing and legal checks
- We handle all the advertising, viewings, and paperwork
- We use our experience to spot red flags you might miss
- We can offer ongoing management, ensuring your property and tenants are looked after long term
This takes the pressure off landlords and greatly reduces the risk of letting unsuitable tenants.
You can book a free valuation with Lovelle to get started.
Offer a fair tenancy
Good tenants look for landlords who are fair, clear, and approachable.
Set a reasonable rent
Pitching your rent too high risks long void periods and applicants stretching beyond their means. Research the local market to stay competitive.
Be transparent about terms
Explain tenancy length, deposit requirements, and policies on pets or smoking upfront. Transparency builds trust.
Provide a well-written tenancy agreement
This protects both you and your tenant. It should outline responsibilities clearly, from rent dates to maintenance expectations.
Build positive relationships
Once you’ve found good tenants, the next step is keeping them.
Respond promptly to issues
Whether it’s a boiler breakdown or a leaking roof, timely action shows tenants you value them.
Carry out regular inspections
Routine checks every 6–12 months help spot problems early while showing tenants you care about maintaining standards.
Respect tenants’ privacy
Always give at least 24 hours’ notice before visits, as required by law. Tenants are more likely to stay if they feel respected.
What to avoid when finding tenants
While most tenants are responsible, there are warning signs to watch for:
- Hesitation to provide references or ID
- Offering to pay several months’ rent upfront without a reason
- Poor communication during the application process
- Frequent moves or short stays on previous tenancy records
Trusting your instincts, alongside proper checks, can help avoid future problems.
Final thoughts
Finding good tenants takes preparation, patience, and persistence, but it pays off. A well-maintained property, smart marketing, thorough vetting, and a professional approach all combine to attract tenants who will treat your property as their home.
For landlords who prefer peace of mind, working with a trusted local estate agent like Lovelle is the simplest way to secure reliable tenants. With our experience and support, you can enjoy the benefits of renting without the stress.
