A NEW internet-based service has been launched containing information on 'bad renters' designed to enable vehicle rental companies to check whether a potential customer has any previous poor rental history.

Membership to www.badrenter.com is free but members are asked to register and to enter details of any 'bad renters' they have dealt with over the previous 12 months. Members are then able to type in a potential customer's details and see whether any unfavourable historic rental information has been posted. Each search costs 45p plus vat payable by direct debit but Badrenter.com is offering new members free unlimited searches for the first 28 days.

The site, launched by David Cooke, who has spent the past 12 years working in the rental industry, has been designed as a source of security for vehicle hire companies.