Comments on: Managing the Tenant Screening Process

By: thomas

thomas — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:06:13 +0000

Last year i rented out my townhome to someone that got their house forclosed. Well of course they had bad credit, but i was desperate to move someone end.

Well lets just say the payments have not been consistant

By: Loki

Loki — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:19:15 +0000

It’s shocking to me how often this happens. I used to have a lot more faith in the intelligence of humans, but not so much anymore. I also used to be a lot more lax in my tenant screening process, but I had to stop that too. I don’t understand how people think they’re going to be able to hide 2 – 100 lb dogs. Give me a break.

By: michael

michael — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:59:43 +0000

thank you for your comment

By: KU

KU — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:26:38 +0000

@ Michael

Couldn’t agree more with you. Just be sure to ask relevant questions, whether they have a job, and don’t hesitate to profile. If someone dresses like a thug, well, they are probably a thug… and probably someone you don’t want to have in your unit. In Utah, we have a huge problem with tenants trying to use false identities and such to get rooms. I can’t stress enough the importance of doing a background check! Your real estate is worth it.

By: michael

michael — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:05:15 +0000

I think that the secret to renting to good tenants has definately got alot to do with pre-qualification. I am an apartment locator in Austin and have no problem asking each person I work with whether or not they have credit, criminal or rental history problems. Then I thinkk if you stick just to the facts then it makes it easier. For example let them know what the qualifications are for units in question and remind them that application fees are not only non-refundable but very efficient as well. Alot of people with problems think they will just slide through somehow. Secondly you can really guage a prospects intentions with a 24 hr look and lease special. Ask them if they are ready to put down a deposit and application fee should they like the unit. You can fall back on the look and lease special and remind them that if they are not ready then the following could happen. First off you lose valuable specials should you procrastinate, secondly units pricing and availability are subject to change at any point in time and thirdly you are always at risk of rent increases due to market fluctuations. If you educate your prospect and cut through all the BS the entire leasing process including the prospects you deal with will be of a much higher quality. You can also control the quality of your prospects with the qualitry ofg your listings, advertisments etc.

By: Jim Norman

Jim Norman — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:16:13 +0000

Andrew,

My experience is that you can do it on your own, but you MUST actually follow through on what you say. If you’re considering credit, work history, residence history, and criminal background, check them all. Credit checks and background checks can frequently be run by a local Property Owners’ Association for a reasonable fee. We belong to PROA – Puget Sound Renter’s Association. Make sure your application gives permission to run the checks (or check your state/local landlord law). If you don’t understand how to read them, ask your provider – they’re usually quite helpful. Ask for and verify work history and residence history on the application.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:03:09 +0000

Hi Brendan, nice post. I am in the process of renting out my pad and had some doubts about what documents to look for a good prescreening of prospective tenants. Is it a better option to go for a professional tenant screening process or it is doable on ones own?

By: Single Maria

Single Maria — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:54:46 +0000

Thanks for the post. Qualification is very important thing, I can say. Your descriptive ad is very informative, anyone can understand very quickly does it suit him or not. Thanks again for your advice, now I can rent without any problems. And at the same time, the tenant will never assert authority over me.