Tenant register

Other

I have found a way in which the data protection act allows for us to hold a tenant register, for both good and bad tenants. In essence all Landlords/agencies involved would need to submit a factual response about each tenant after a tenancy has ended. If the volumes are sufficient this would be a great tool for checking if an applicant is on the register and what previous landlords thought about them. If the applicant is not on the register then you are no worse off than you are today. The information commission will 'rubber stamp' the scheme through their guidance centre so we can be relaxed about data protection issues.

The tenant will sign up front that they accept a factual reference will be put on the register. (Not many applicants are going to not sign on the basis that they will be a poor tenant!). Good tenants will be pleased to be on the register as it gives them a stronger reference and more credibility.

The concept is in draft form at present but I would be interested in your views/ideas before further development takes place.

Thanks
Alex