Tenant Reference Service

We will check an occupants housing history for the past three years using our records, our partner's records, and those of any current and previous landlords. These records may include, but not be limited to, any complaints of anti-social behaviour (ASB), domestic violence, rent arrears, damage to property, abandonment of property, breach of tenancy conditions, court orders, environmental health actions or enforcement actions, illegal use of property, and or criminal behaviour which is deemed to be relevant to tenancy management.

In assessing the previous behaviour of prospective occupants, we will operate a traffic light system, whereby we will grade a person either red, amber or green depending on the outcome of the information which is found as a result of our referencing checks.

The traffic light system is:

• red - serious crime and or anti-social behaviour, evidence of eviction or high rent arrears
• amber - low level crime and or anti-social behaviour, minor tenancy issues, or no previous housing or tenancy history
• green - no issues identified

Although a prospective occupant may be graded 'red', we acknowledge that people need a place to live. As such, if a landlord wishes to accept an occupant who is given a 'red' grading, we will support them in doing so, by conducting joint visits with our enforcement officers, or our selective licensing officers.

If any anti social behaviour issues arise, we will provide advice to a landlord outlining support services which they could access in order to assist them in addressing the behaviour of their tenant. Ultimately, if any such issues persist, we will offer support to a landlord in preparing and serving a notice of seeking possession if appropriate.