Notorious Landlord Issues New Lettings Criteria for Tenants

Arguably Britain’s most notorious landlord, Fergus Wilson, has caused yet more controversy by issuing a new lettings criteria for tenants.

The notorious landlord, who previously owned around 1,000 rental properties across Kent, is said to have issued the new criteria through his letting agent, Evolution.

The controversial criteria have been posted on a Facebook page for residents of Ashford, Kent, where some of Wilson’s portfolio is based.

Last year, the notorious landlord sold half of his property portfolio at auction, claiming that the age of the amateur landlord is coming to an end. He referred specifically to tighter lending criteria for buy-to-let landlords.

But it appears that the controversial investor is still very much in business.

His new lettings criteria ban the following tenants:

• Those with children under 18-years-old
• Single parents
• Tenants on housing benefit
• Single adults
• Plumbers
• Battered wives
• Smokers
• People with pets
• Low income workers
• Zero hours workers

Wilson’s statement concludes: “Not all tenants on benefits are a problem, but all problems are on benefits.”

While many landlords have their own rules regarding benefits, smoking and pets, Wilson’s strict list is likely to cause great offence amongst renters in the area.

And although Wilson is said to have sold many of his rental properties to overseas investors, tenants are most probably hoping that he finally sells the rest of his portfolio and is no longer operating in Kent’s private rental sector.

Landlords, what do you think about the latest news from the notorious landlord? Do you yourself enforce such a strict lettings criteria for your properties?

There are many ways that you can ensure your property is protected, regardless of the type of tenant occupying it. Remember that you must act responsibly and stick to the laws of the private rental sector when letting to any tenant. Our free monthly newsletter will keep you up to date with any changes: www.34.207.192.121/register.