How to verify landlords and properties

How to verify landlords and properties

You really don’t need to check your property through every single resource listed below, especially if you are renting through an established agency. However, if you are renting from a private landlord, and you do not have much information about them, double-checking basic things like the property ownership may save you from potential scams. 

Here are some resources and methods to help verify landlords and property ownership:

1. Land Registry

  • What it offers: The UK’s Land Registry holds records of land and property ownership in England and Wales. You can use it to verify the owner of the property you’re interested in renting.
  • How to access: You can request property ownership information from the Gov.uk Land Registry page. There is a small fee for accessing detailed records.

2. Companies House

  • What it offers: If the property is owned by a company, you can check the legitimacy of the company through Companies House.
  • How to access: Search for company information for free using the Companies House website.

3. Local Council

  • What it offers: Your local council can provide information on whether a landlord is registered with them, especially if they rent out a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
  • How to access: Contact the housing department of your local council in London. Each borough’s council website will have contact details and possibly an online search function.

4. Ask for Proof of Ownership

  • What it offers: Directly asking the landlord or letting agent to show proof of ownership can be a straightforward method.
  • How to access: Request this information during your property viewing or via email communication.

5. Check the Landlord Accreditation Scheme

  • What it offers: Some landlords voluntarily join accreditation schemes that demonstrate their commitment to good practice.
  • How to access: Check if your landlord is a member of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) or similar.

6. Online Reviews and Forums

  • What it offers: Look for reviews or mentions of the landlord or letting agency online. Previous tenants’ experiences can provide valuable insights.
  • How to access: Websites like Trustpilot, Reddit or even Google Maps can be useful.

7. Deposit Protection Scheme Verification

  • What it offers: By law, landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme and provide you with prescribed information about it.
  • How to access: Once you have this information, verify it directly on the websites of approved schemes like the Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Additional Tips

  • Always ensure that any agency you deal with is a member of a recognized body, such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).
  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and never transfer money without verifying the legitimacy of the property and the person you’re dealing with.

Taking these steps can help protect you from scams and ensure that your rental experience in London is secure and legitimate.