DBS Checks for Landlords: Everything you need to know.
Background checks can be very important for landlords, whether that's obtaining DBS checks themselves or carrying out background checks on tenants. DBS checks are the most critical component of the background screening process. They are used to know about criminal records or actions such as violent crimes, embezzlement, or felony convictions.
What do landlords do?
A landlord is anyone who rents out a property they own under a lease or a licence that is shorter than seven years. They are responsible for:
The different levels of DBS checks.
DBS offers three types of criminal record checks to ensure the correct level of information is accessed depending on the job role. Roles that require you to work with children or vulnerable adults will need a higher check.
Basic DBS Checks:
This level of DBS check is available for all individuals, regardless of their job role. It will look through their criminal history, showing any unspent convictions that the applicant may have.
Standard DBS Checks:
This level of DBS check is only available to organisations or companies who are completing a DBS check on someone else's behalf to make a suitability decision. It will check an applicant’s criminal history for cautions, warnings, reprimands, and convictions.
Enhanced DBS Checks:
This is similar to a Standard DBS Check, and this type of check must be completed by an organisation or company on an individual's behalf, and will also check an applicant’s criminal history for cautions, warnings, reprimands, and convictions. An Enhanced DBS Checks can also include a check of the DBS's Children's and/or Adult barred list. Local police forces are also able to add any relevant information they hold on the applicant.
Do I need a DBS check as a landlord?
There is no legal requirement to have a DBS check as a landlord. However, certain local authorities will ask for them as a requirement. Around one in five local authorities in the UK have licensing requirements for those wanting to become a landlord. These licensing schemes help improve the standards of rental properties and protect renters.?
A Basic DBS Check may be a part of the licensing conditions.?
Three types of licencing schemes you may need to be a private landlord:
1. Mandatory licensing??
2. Additional licensing??
3. Selective licensing??
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What are the checks landlords carry out on tenants?
There are several background checks that landlords can carry out on potential tenants to ensure they will make good tenants. While some background checks are done because they’re a legal requirement, some are done purely to see what sort of person they are.
Credit Checks
Credit checks are done on potential tenants to ensure they are going to consistently pay rent on time. While there is usually a fee for this, landlords see it as a good investment. After all, a small credit check fee will probably be less than multiple months worth of missed rent.
Right-to-Rent Checks
Right-to-rent checks are not optional because landlords are legally obligated to check that potential tenants are allowed to rent in the UK.
Reference Checks
Landlord reference checks are done to ensure that potential tenants have been good tenants in the past. They may also do an employer reference check to ensure that tenants have a good income and can afford future rent payments.
Guarantor Checks
A guarantor is someone who will be responsible for paying the rent if the tenant is unable to do so. They are usually a family member or close friend who owns their own home. Landlords usually ask tenants with lower incomes to have a guarantor.
Basic DBS Checks
Lastly, landlords may ask potential tenants to conduct a basic DBS check. They are not legally required to carry out criminal record checks on prospective tenants. But some insurance providers require notification if anyone living at the property has an unspent criminal conviction, and this can be found in a basic DBS check.
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