Questions to Ask Potential Tenants at Viewings UK
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Key questions to ask potential tenants: Why are you moving? What's your employment situation? When do you need to move? How many people will live here? Do you have pets? Can you provide references? Avoid questions about protected characteristics (race, religion, family status).
Asking the right questions at viewings helps you find reliable tenants while staying on the right side of discrimination law. Here's what to ask - and what to avoid.
Essential questions to ask potential tenants
These core questions give you the information you need to make an informed decision about prospective tenants.
- Why are you moving from your current property? - Reveals circumstances and potential red flags
- When do you need to move in? - Checks timing alignment with your availability
- How many people will be living in the property? - Important for HMO licensing and safety
- What is your employment situation? - Establishes ability to pay rent
- Do you have any pets? - Lets you discuss pet policies upfront
- Can you provide references from previous landlords? - Essential for verification
- Have you viewed the property properly and are happy with it? - Reduces early tenancy issues
Questions about their situation
Understanding a tenant's circumstances helps you assess suitability and identify any practical issues early.
- How long are you looking to rent for? - Matches expectations on tenancy length
- Why did you choose this area? - Indicates stability of choice
- Do you work from home? - May affect property use and utilities
- Do you smoke? - Legitimate question about property care
- What's your current living situation? - Context for their move
- How long have you been at your current address? - Indicates stability
Questions about affordability
Financial questions are not only acceptable but essential. You need to know tenants can afford the rent.
- What is your annual income? - Most landlords require 2.5-3x the annual rent
- Are you employed, self-employed, or retired? - Affects referencing approach
- How long have you been in your current job? - Employment stability
- Will you need a guarantor? - Opens discussion if income is borderline
- Are you in receipt of any benefits? - Note: you cannot refuse solely based on this
- Can you provide proof of income? - Payslips, accounts, bank statements
Questions to avoid (discrimination risk)
The Equality Act 2010 protects tenants from discrimination based on protected characteristics. Avoid questions that could be seen as discriminatory.
| Good Question | Bad Question (Avoid) |
|---|---|
| How many people will live here? | Are you married? Do you have children? |
| Can you provide references? | Where are you originally from? |
| What is your employment situation? | How old are you? |
| Are you able to meet the rent payments? | Are you on benefits? (as sole criteria) |
| Do you have any accessibility requirements? | Do you have any disabilities? |
| How long do you plan to stay? | Are you planning to have children? |
| Can you provide a UK-based guarantor? | What is your nationality? |
Protected characteristics include: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
What to listen for in answers
How tenants answer questions is often as revealing as what they say. Pay attention to these positive indicators.
- Clear, straightforward answers - Honest tenants don't hesitate or over-explain
- Consistent story - Details should match throughout the conversation
- Positive about previous landlords - Good relationships suggest reasonable tenants
- Questions about the property - Shows genuine interest and care
- Realistic expectations - Understanding of their responsibilities
- Proactive about references - Willing to provide contacts quickly
- Knowledge of their finances - Clear on income and affordability
Red flags in responses
Watch for warning signs that might indicate future problems. These don't automatically disqualify tenants, but warrant further investigation.
- Vague about previous landlords - May be hiding a poor reference
- Rushing to move in - Could indicate eviction or disputes
- Reluctant to provide references - Ask why and assess the reason
- Inconsistent employment story - Verify carefully during referencing
- Negative about all previous landlords - Pattern suggests difficult tenant
- Unclear on who will be living there - May plan to sublet or overcrowd
- Pressuring for quick decision - Legitimate tenants can wait for proper checks
- Offering extra rent upfront - Sometimes used to bypass referencing
Following up after the viewing
The viewing is just the start. Proper follow-up ensures you verify everything discussed.
- Send application forms promptly - Strike while interest is high
- Request Right to Rent documents - Required by law before granting tenancy
- Conduct thorough tenant referencing - Credit, employment, and landlord checks
- Contact previous landlords directly - Don't rely solely on written references
- Verify employment - Call the employer or check company records
- Assess guarantor if needed - Apply same rigour to guarantor checks
- Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, investigate further
For comprehensive guidance on finding quality tenants, see our guide on how to find good tenants.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask about their job?
Yes, absolutely. Questions about employment are legitimate and essential for assessing affordability. Ask what they do, how long they've been there, and whether their income covers the rent. Employment status is not a protected characteristic, and you need this information to make an informed decision.
Can I ask if they have children?
You can ask how many people will live in the property, but you cannot refuse to let to someone because they have children. Family status is protected. Focus your question on total occupancy numbers (important for safety and licensing) rather than specifically asking about children. Never ask if someone is planning to have children.
Should I ask about previous landlords?
Yes, this is one of the most important questions. Ask for contact details of their current and previous landlord. Find out why they're leaving and whether they've had any disputes. A landlord reference is often the best predictor of tenant behaviour. Be cautious if they're reluctant to provide this information.
Managing this yourself?
LandlordOS helps UK landlords stay compliant and organised:
- Automatic compliance reminders for Gas Safety, EICR, EPC
- Document storage with AI-powered certificate reading
- Tenancy tracking and rent management
LandlordOS tip
Prepare your questions before the viewing and ask every applicant the same things. This ensures consistency, helps you compare fairly, and protects you from accusations of discrimination. Keep notes of responses to refer back to during decision-making.