4. Dealing with Offers, References and Guarantors

Question 1

You must take care not to what?

Answer 1

Inadvertently create a binding oral agreement with a potential tenant, as all tenancies are subject to contract

Question 2

What should be taken about applicants?

Answer 2

Full details

Question 3

Applicants should be made aware of what?

Answer 3

All charges before they make any commitments

Question 4

Landlords should be given what when deciding whether to proceed with potential tenants?

Answer 4

Enough information to enable them to make informed decisions

Question 5

All negotiations should be confirmed how?

Answer 5

In writing to avoid doubt

Question 6

Agents should take care not to misrepresent what?

Answer 6

Properties to applicants or applicants to landlords

Question 7

Any agreed changes to terms should be contained where?

Answer 7

Within the tenancy agreement (if they are to be effective after the start date of the tenancy)

Question 8

Correspondence in negotiations should be marked what?

Answer 8

Subject to contract

Question 9

References must be taken to what?

Answer 9

Ensure the identity and status of applicants

Question 10

What checks must be undertaken?

Answer 10

Right to rent

Question 11

Agents must be mindful of what when gathering and storing information?

Answer 11

Data protection act 1998

Question 12

Agents should take references from who when applicants are self employed?

Answer 12

Accountants

Question 13

Credit checks should be taken… why?

Answer 13

To determine whether applicants have county court judgements against them

Question 14

If full references cannot be obtained, what must happen?

Answer 14

The landlord should be informed and asked for their instructions

Question 15

If a guarantor is required, what must be done?

Answer 15

They must be referenced and made fully aware of their obligations

Question 16

If references cannot be obtained but the landlord wants to proceed, what must happen?

Answer 16

The landlord should sign an indemnity stating that they have been made aware of the situation and wish the tenancy to proceed, and will not hold the agent liable if the tenant does not pay the rent or otherwise breaches their agreements