Activists have raised concerns about some tenant vetting procedures as they feel that tenants are being asked for extra, unnecessary information. While it is common for property owners to ask prospective tenants for evidence of their employment status and income, asking tenants for their CV, application photo or LinkedIn profile may be taking things too far.  

The steps for screening prospective tenants usually involve the following:  

• An affordability test to see whether their earnings enable them to afford the property  
• Referencing  
• Credit checks  

Activists are concerned that asking for more information such as the applicant’s photo and social media profiles may lead to discrimination against some tenants. The National Residential Landlords Association shares the same opinion as these activists, stating that property owners should only ask for evidence to prove that tenants are able to sustain a tenancy. However, since many people are competing to secure the best properties, they may find themselves in a position where they feel they should share their personal profiles to stand out from the crowd. Some prospective tenants are also willing to provide larger upfront payments to secure a property.

The information in this post is valid to the best of our knowledge on the date of posting. It is advised that you seek independent advice based on your individual circumstances. 

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