As the real estate market in Nigeria continues to grow, the need for reliable and trustworthy tenants becomes increasingly crucial. Property owners and managers must ensure they have a thorough understanding of potential tenants before handing over the keys. One essential aspect of tenant screening is verifying the previous addresses provided by applicants. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of previous address verification in Nigeria and how it contributes to a comprehensive tenant screening process.
Why Previous Address Verification Matters:
Confirming Residency History:
Verifying a tenant’s previous addresses helps confirm their residency history, enabling landlords to validate the information provided on the rental application. It provides insights into an individual’s past rental experiences, allowing property owners to assess their reliability and responsibility as tenants.
Assessing Stability:
Stability is a critical factor when evaluating prospective tenants. By examining previous addresses, property owners can gauge how frequently an applicant has moved in the past. Frequent moves may raise concerns about a tenant’s ability to commit to a long-term lease and pay rent consistently.
Contacting Previous Landlords:
Contacting previous landlords provides an opportunity to obtain valuable references and gather additional information about an applicant. This step helps landlords assess the applicant’s behavior as a tenant, including their adherence to lease agreements, promptness in paying rent, and general conduct during their tenancy.
Mitigating Risk:
Previous address verification helps mitigate potential risks associated with renting out a property. It allows property owners to identify any red flags, such as eviction records, complaints, or issues related to property damage. By uncovering this information, landlords can make informed decisions and protect their investment.
How to Conduct Previous Address Verification:
Document Request:
Request the applicant to provide their previous addresses for a specific period, typically the last three to five years. Ensure that the application form includes fields for address details, including the dates of tenancy.
Verification Process:
Utilize the services of a reputable tenant verification company that specializes in conducting background checks. These companies have access to comprehensive databases and can help confirm the authenticity of previous addresses.
Contact Previous Landlords:
Reach out to the previous landlords provided by the tenant to gather information about their tenancy. Inquire about rent payment history, property upkeep, any complaints, and the reasons for their departure. Obtaining firsthand feedback from previous landlords can provide valuable insights into an applicant’s rental behavior.
Cross-Reference Information:
Cross-reference the provided information with other available sources, such as credit reports, employment verification, and personal references. This step ensures a more comprehensive assessment and reduces the chances of relying solely on one source.
Conclusion
Tenant verification and screening are essential for property owners and managers in Nigeria. Previous address verification plays a vital role in this process by confirming residency history, assessing stability, gathering references, and mitigating risks. By implementing a thorough tenant screening process that includes previous address verification, property owners can make informed decisions and select reliable tenants who are more likely to fulfill their lease obligations. Partnering with a professional tenant verification service can streamline the process, providing landlords with the necessary information to make well-informed choices and protect their investments.