Hello, I've had lodgers on and off all my life, with no significant difficulties, generally a very positive experience. But I've moved to a new (poorer) area, and the last two years here have been very difficult - we've had one lodger after another who has turned out to have serious mental health issues, one turned out to have a history of violence. I've had such awful experiences with the last three , including one who assaulted me and was removed by police and emergency psychiatric team, I'm wondering if it's legal for me to ask for a note from their GP to confirm they have no psychiatric history, or known issues of addictions or hoarding etc. Does anyone know? I already have lodgers vetted first by a local agency, who charge £150 to confirm identity, CCJ record, previous record of paying rent, confirmation of employment and references from at least one previous landlord. While the references should flag up issues, of course the referee can be very motivated to help someone move somewhere else! Is it legal to ask for a medical letter? Thanks
vetting lodgers
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You have identified the primary source of your problem by changing the demographic of your anticipated customer group. Like a reference, you can ask for any information you like (as long as it isn't discriminatory) but the lodger/customer has absolutely no legal obligation to supply the information.
After a quick musing, I may also be consider that asking about certain mental health issues to aid the selection process may be a breach of the Equality Act 2010 through disability.I may be a housing professional but my views, thoughts, opinions, advice, criticisms or otherwise on this board are mine and are not representative of my company, colleagues, managers. I am here as an independent human being who simply wants to learn new stuff, share ideas and interact with like minded people.
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vetting lodgers
Thank you very much for replies. It's helpful to know I can do the vetting on line more cheaply, I'll make a note of that. Yes, it was the Equality Act that was in my mind, I think, with the question of discrimination, but then there's also the issue of DBS checks apparently not being possible. That's as much a problem. I have found it is not uncommon for people enquiring about lodging to withdraw once they realise there are background checks. Using a local PI?!
Thanks again.
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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Reply to Phone numbersby DPT57Have you issued a GDPR privacy notice to each leaseholder and registered with the ICO?
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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by CodgerIt seemed reasonable to me to pass on the
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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by HLGGGDear All
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
25-01-2021, 10:06 AM -
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by Hudson01Given how sneaky and inherently dishonest this tenant is i would also ensure that your correspondence address at the Land Registry is not the same as the rented property !!! Make sure it is your actual home address, if not then there is a danger a tenant can sell your house from under you.
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
25-01-2021, 14:15 PM -
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by BerlingogirlI had a tenant do the same thing to me with the electric bill. When the tenancy ended I took the readings, and informed the supplier. I got a huge bill. I told the supplier what had happened and that I would only pay my share which I calculated and paid. I can't remember if I showed the tenancy agreement,...
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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by HLGGGThanks alice123 we checked the credit score and there is nothing on there which is untoward..really strange as the tenant is obviously in arrears with the electricity and gas.
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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Reply to Phone numbersby ash72If I was the freeholder, I would want all contact details of each leaseholder, correspondence address, email, telephone, etc in case there is any issues in the future (fire, debt recovery)....
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Channel: Residential Letting Questions
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