Property Managers take this vital step when choosing a tenant. Most Private Landlords won't.

Performing background checks on potential tenants in New Zealand is a crucial step Property Managers take to ensure they select the right tenant for a property.

For Private Landlords, conducting a credit check or obtaining tenant references can be tricky, but they are a key part of being a property investor. Here are some reasons why:

Ensuring financial stability: By conducting a credit check, a Property Manager can assess a tenant's financial situation and determine whether they have a history of paying their bills on time. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether a potential tenant is likely to pay rent on time and in full.

Protecting your property: A thorough background check can help you identify any red flags or warning signs that may indicate a potential tenant is likely to cause damage to your property. It's important to know if a potential tenant has a history of damaging property or has been evicted from a previous rental property.

Ensuring safety of other tenants: Background checks can help you identify any criminal history of a potential tenant, which can help you determine whether they pose a risk to the safety of other tenants in the building.

Legal compliance: It is important to conduct background checks in accordance with New Zealand's privacy and tenancy laws. As a landlord, you must follow strict guidelines for accessing and using personal information about potential tenants. An experienced Property Manager will be familiar with this legislation and operate within the law.

Overall, conducting thorough background checks on potential tenants is an essential step for landlords and property managers to safeguard their property and ensure the safety and well-being of all tenants.

Oliver Pearson

Manager and Property Investor for 20+ years

Oliver Pearson

Manager and Property Investor for 20+ years

Oliver Pearson began investing in property aged 21 and has since bought, developed and sold real estate in the UK, USA, South East Asia and New Zealand. After a career in banking he is now on the management team at Waikato Real Estate and has contributed to property articles for NZ Herald, Stuff and Property Investor Magazine.

Based in Raglan, Oliver's passions extend beyond property to surfing, hydrofoiling, and providing a taxi service for his children.