How to find reliable tenants fast

Posted: 14/10/2025
Tenant sat in removals box

As a landlord, finding reliable tenants is a key way to ensure your property consistently generates a solid income. The quicker you find a dependable tenant, the sooner your investment begins to pay off.  

In this article, we take a look at some of the ways to help you attract and pick the right tenant for your property. 

1. Use a letting agent

Of course, one of the quickest and most reliable ways to find reliable tenants is to hand over the hard work to professionals. Shortland Horne offers full letting and property management services. We can:

  • Market your property on all major platforms and local channels
  • Handle all enquiries and viewings
  • Vet tenants with references, background checks and credit checks
  • Sort contracts, deposits, inventory and move-in formalities

With us working for you, you get peace of mind and faster letting.

2. Attract the right tenants

Present your property to draw interest from higher-quality applicants quickly. Before you begin advertising your property, consider doing the following: 

  • Give it a deep clean 
  • Declutter
  • Fix minor repairs such as cracked tiles 
  • Redecorate to refresh it 
  • Stage it with minimal furniture and a neutral look

3. Set a realistic rent 

Underpricing your property for a quick let can attract the wrong people, but overpricing might reduce your pool of tenants. Research the area to determine what similar properties rent for and speak with letting agents, such as Shortland Horne, who have great local knowledge and can provide valuable advice. 

4. Advertise your property

Market your property in the local area to maximise exposure. This will ensure that your listing is seen by many people, including the right ones. Use a trusted letting agent, such as Shortland Horne, to market your property. Additionally, consider sharing it on local social media and neighbourhood pages. 

5. Screen applicants

One way to ensure you get the right tenants who are reliable and trustworthy is to screen them thoroughly. You can screen applicants in the following ways: 

  • Use an application form that asks for full employment, landlord references, and credit check permission
  • Ask for proof of income (payslips, bank statements)
  • Contact previous landlords to ask about rent payments, behaviour, or damage
  • Run credit and background checks
  • Meet the prospective tenant in person or online to see how you get on

Running these checks can help eliminate risky candidates and ensure you pick the right tenant the first time. 

6. Be decisive

When you’ve found a strong candidate, act fast. Good tenants typically don’t stay on the market for long. Don’t hesitate once checks and references look good. Confirm your decision and proceed with moving them in. Delaying gives space for other offers. That said, treat everyone fairly and transparently. Reject weak candidates politely.

Are you looking to let a property?

If you’re looking to let your property and want help marketing it and finding the right, reliable tenants, then look no further than Shortland Horne.

We offer professional Letting and Property Management services to Landlords in Coventry, Leamington Spa and Warwickshire. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

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