“You can’t tell who’s going to be a bad tenant from how they come across in person; two of the worst tenants I’ve come across were a trainee barrister and an English teacher,” says Paul Shamplina from Landlord Action. The man who made a business out of evicting tenants has some horror stories for Telegraph readers – read the article.

Here is the list of things that landlords are advised to do in order to avoid troublesome tenants:

- Ask to see bank statements for the past 3 months. Check income and expenses to see if they can afford the rent.
- Ask for photo ID to ensure they are who they say they are.
- Get a reference from their employer.
- Get a reference from their current landlord, but make sure he or she isn’t providing it to get the tenant off their hands.
- Ask for a guarantor – a parent will be fine.
- Consider rental insurance cover. It will pay if tenants don’t.

Landlord Action’s three-step service: step one (serving notice) £115, step two (instigating court proceedings) £565, and step three (eviction) £198. Landlord Helpline (0800 856 7878; www.landlordaction.co.uk 

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