Who do you use for reference and credit checking?

[mrshap]

Landlords who do you use to check Tennants credit and reference, and how much does it cost.
Can you give me some advice too on taking prospective Tennants on a viewing.
I have a 3 bed semi to rent. What have you learnt over time, I am new to all this so any help would be appreciated.
I am marketing it myself and doing all the paperwork myself too, I think I have finally got my head around all the legal stuff, and now have a big folder of paper work for the Tennant.
On the tenancy agreement where it says tenant signature then next to that witness. Can I be the witness or do I have to drag a Radom neighbour in?
When I hand over the keys is there another legal document I need for this as I read something weeks ago on internet re keys, alas I didn't bookmark it.

I don't credit check tenants. It tells you nothing. A tenant could pass a credit check but still be up to their neck in debt and be overdrawn and struggling each month.

I get 3 months bank statements. Tells you much, much more.

I take photocopies of the keys I give out along with the inventory and disc with all photos on it.

you need an independent witness as you are signing the document too.

remember deposit protection, gas safe, malicious damage insurance, legal expenses insurance (latter may be tricky with no credit check)

keep a set of all keys, obviously you can't use them once the tenant is in.

Disc with photos on good idea, so it looks like I have to find a random person to witness the tennacy agreement. The 3 months bank statements is good idea too..thank you

R.L.A. Have changed their tenancy agreement. This years agreement no longer requires a witness. (Not always easy finding a random stranger).

Residential landlords Association.

If you do use a disc with photos, take photos of everything and put the date on both your camera and write the date on the disc.