As a landlord, it's important to evaluate potential tenants before renting out your properties. Establishing minimum requirements and evaluating credit, rental history, and background are essential steps to take in order to avoid having terrible renters. Here are 10 recommendations landlords can follow to rule out potential problem renters early. First, create reasonable expectations and minimum criteria for potential tenants.
This should include a rental application form that must be signed and dated to be valid. Make sure the request is based on the recommendations of the Housing Agency and always complies with your state's rent and housing laws to ensure that you are not sued for discrimination against any religion, race, income, or gender. Additionally, include the code of conduct and tenant expectations in the application form or lease agreement. Second, always do a background check on potential tenants. Don't be fooled by appearances or sweet words, because appearances can be deceiving.
A background check can reveal important facts about your potential tenant, such as a history of rent default, property damage, or any previous convictions. In addition to the background check, always do a credit check, as this will get the person's credit history. To do this, you will need to obtain the applicant's permission and their Social Security number. Third, talk to the current employer and owner. This will help you get an idea of how reliable the tenant is in terms of paying rent on time and taking care of the property.
Additionally, it's important to ask for references from previous landlords or employers. Fourth, make sure you understand the details of the agreement. Many landlords simply hand the documents to the applicant for review and return. This doesn't mean that the applicant has read the information, so make sure you understand the details of the agreement. Fifth, consider using a third-party screening service. This can help you save time and money by providing detailed reports on potential tenants.
These services can provide information such as credit scores, criminal records, eviction records, and more. Sixth, consider using a rental agreement template. This will help ensure that all of your rental agreements are consistent and legally binding. Additionally, it will help protect your interests as a landlord. Seventh, consider using a rental application checklist. This will help you keep track of all of the information you need from potential tenants in order to make an informed decision about whether or not they are suitable for your property. Eighth, consider using a rental agreement software program.
This will help you create legally binding rental agreements quickly and easily. Ninth, consider using a tenant screening service. This will help you quickly identify any potential problems with potential tenants before they move in. Finally, always follow state laws when it comes to background checking potential renters. Clearly state on the application form that the information provided will be used to perform a background and credit check. By following these tips for screening potential tenants before renting out your properties, you can minimize some of the risks associated with being a landlord.
Good luck!.
