Top 5 Tips for Finding Reliable Tenants

Let’s be real for a minute - finding tenants you can actually trust isn’t always easy. You want people who pay on time, look after your property, and don’t disappear after a couple of months. But as anyone who’s let a property before knows, that’s not always how it goes.

At Pearl Lettings, we’ve helped hundreds of landlords across Norwich and Norfolk find tenants who tick those boxes. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few handy tips that make the whole process a lot smoother. So, if you’re about to let your property, here are five simple tips to help you find tenants you’ll actually be happy to have living there.

1. Be Honest About Your Property - No Surprises!

First off, don’t try to sugar-coat things. If your property has quirks or things that might not suit everyone - like a busy road nearby or a smaller garden - just be upfront about it.

People appreciate honesty, and it saves you both the hassle of disappointment down the line. If tenants know what they’re getting, they’re more likely to stay happy and stick around.

Also, make sure your listing clearly says what’s included in the rent, and any rules - like if pets are allowed or not. And good photos help - no one wants to turn up and be surprised.

2. Do Your Homework on Tenants

It’s tempting to just pick the first person who seems nice or pays the deposit quickly, but don’t skip the checks. Proper screening is where you can save yourself a lot of trouble.

Check their ID, run a credit check, make sure they earn enough to cover the rent comfortably, and get references from previous landlords if you can.

If someone is reluctant to participate in any of those checks, it’s a warning sign. Reliable tenants expect these checks - it’s part of renting responsibly.

At Pearl Lettings, we take care of all of this for landlords, so you don’t have to worry about missing something important.

3. Price it Right

Finding the right rent price is a bit of an art. Too high, and you might scare off great tenants or end up with an empty property. Too low, and you might attract tenants who don’t plan to stick around or take care of your property.

Look at what similar properties nearby are going for, and price yours fairly based on location and condition.

If you’re unsure, ask a local letting agent - they know the market inside out.

4. Have a Clear and Fair Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is like the rulebook for the relationship between you and your tenant. Make sure it’s clear, fair, and up to date with the latest laws.

It should cover rent dates, who fixes what, rules about pets, notice periods - everything you need to keep things running smoothly.

Avoid old or vague contracts - they often cause confusion and problems later on.

We always make sure our agreements protect landlords and tenants alike.

5. Keep the Conversation Going

Good communication is one of the simplest ways to build a great landlord-tenant relationship.

Let your tenants know how to reach you, and when they get in touch, respond quickly and clearly.

Tenants who feel heard and respected are more likely to look after your place and stay longer.

At Pearl Lettings, we’re proud to offer 24/7 support to both landlords and tenants - it really makes a difference.

Bonus: Get Some Help!

If all this feels like a lot, don’t worry - you’re not alone.

Many landlords find it easier to work with a letting agent who handles everything: finding tenants, running checks, sorting the paperwork, and managing the property day-to-day.

At Pearl Lettings, we treat every property like it’s our own, helping landlords get great tenants and hassle-free lettings.

Final Thoughts

Finding tenants you can rely on doesn’t have to be stressful. Be honest, do your checks, price fairly, get the paperwork right, and keep talking.

Follow those tips, and you’ll be well on your way to happy tenants and a happy landlord life.

If you want a hand, or just need some friendly advice, give us a call. We’re here to help make letting your property easy and worry-free.