More landlords use social media to screen tenants

Savvy landlords are turning to social media to screen tenants before letting them rent their property.

 

New data from Foundation Home Loans has found that sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram could reveal valuable insight into how people would be as tenants.

 

The research said that it is the first port of call for an estimated 11% of landlords.

 

Depending on the accounts available, information that could be gathered from social media could include everything from job and career history right through to friends and lifestyle.

 

The study also discovered that one in seven landlords say they visit their properties once a month to meet with tenants and to make necessary repairs.

 

Jeff Knight, marketing director of Foundation Home Loans, said: “Buy to let is a business, so it’s only natural that landlords would want to vet their potential tenants just as an employer would a potential employee.

 

“While Facebook and social media accounts may not be the best source of information if used in isolation, they can offer valuable insight when set against other checks such as personal

references and credit checks.

 

“After all, maintaining a good rental income is a priority and void periods can be particularly damaging, so it’s important to ensure this is not a risk when new tenants move in.”