I got a call from a debt collecting agent chasing an ex-tenant of their client. The tenant had given my name and number as their former LL. I had never heard of the tenants first name before but as the call progressed the surname and other details matched one of my former tenants. A tenant who still has an outstanding rent arrears with me from over two years ago.
I dug out their file and gave the debt agent a call back. The agent had none of the information I had gathered two years ago, including the three other names this person has used in the past, her mothers home address and husbands DOB. Within 10 minutes she called me back with news that with the information I had provided they were making an application to have payments deducted directly from this persons WINZ benefits.
There are no records of this couple, with any of the names used, in the TT orders. I'm assuming they settle before it gets that far like they did with me. Only then to ignore the agreement.
I only registered my outstanding debt as the fee to chase it was more than the actual amount. One of those "large fee, no action" companies. This agent who called me was with a "no win, no fee" organization. I also registered the names the tenants gave me, and her real name, with TINZ.
Four years ago when I took these tenants on I was a newbie. I didn't check photo ID back then and it cost me. Credit checks and TT order searches are pointless if they're giving you a fake name. I understand why some lawful tenants don't want new LLs to contact current LLs for references but as a LL it's just not worth the risk.
In the end I'm glad I was able to help catch this person and I hope this story helps other Newbies from avoiding similar costly errors.
I dug out their file and gave the debt agent a call back. The agent had none of the information I had gathered two years ago, including the three other names this person has used in the past, her mothers home address and husbands DOB. Within 10 minutes she called me back with news that with the information I had provided they were making an application to have payments deducted directly from this persons WINZ benefits.
There are no records of this couple, with any of the names used, in the TT orders. I'm assuming they settle before it gets that far like they did with me. Only then to ignore the agreement.
I only registered my outstanding debt as the fee to chase it was more than the actual amount. One of those "large fee, no action" companies. This agent who called me was with a "no win, no fee" organization. I also registered the names the tenants gave me, and her real name, with TINZ.
Four years ago when I took these tenants on I was a newbie. I didn't check photo ID back then and it cost me. Credit checks and TT order searches are pointless if they're giving you a fake name. I understand why some lawful tenants don't want new LLs to contact current LLs for references but as a LL it's just not worth the risk.
In the end I'm glad I was able to help catch this person and I hope this story helps other Newbies from avoiding similar costly errors.
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