When doing DIY vetting - Charge upfront fee to potential T?

[fridaypassion]

I see that LA's charge tenants an upfront fee to cover the costs of credit checking and time to check references (in addition to charging the L for the same service!) Whilst I think this is a bit cheeky I can see it would be a useful tool to weed out people that are not seriously interested in your property.

Do other L's do this or do you maybe take a holding deposit and knock that off the deposit and just take the cost of the credit checks yourself?

[Grrr]

I don't charge for referencing, but I know a couple of LLs who do. They then wiaive the fee if the tenancy goes ahead. The idea I guess is to weed out time-wasters.

I do however take a holding deposit of half the first months rent while I'm referencing. This shows me that the potential tenant is serious and has access to funds. If for some reason I decide I don't want to proceed, then I usually return the whole deposit. Unless they have been deliberately deceptive or have stalled me in some way. In which case I charge them an admin fee and return the balance.

[islandgirl]

I charge at cost for referencing (around £30). This is non-refundable. The form which needs to be filled in scares off many would-be tenants and they do not return it and do not pay the fee.

[fridaypassion]

Yes tenantverify's form is pretty formidable. They would have to be pretty determined tinewasters to go through all that I guess.

[Snorkerz]

Certainly at he lower end of the market (where I am) it is amazing how requests for references or even credit checks on guarantors can be followed by a realisation that the property is not going to be suitable.