LANDLORDS: The “better tenants” conversation is missing a key truth.

[Maurice W. Evans]

(I just started a group for NYC Landlords on Facebook.

AVOIDING Bad Tenants is not enough.  You have to ATTRACT Good ones!

I originally posted the following post there.)

LANDLORDS:
The “better tenants” conversation is missing a key truth.

You need two systems running at the same time:

1. 1) A filter that keeps baddies out.
2. 2) An attraction system that pulls goodies in.

Most landlords only build the filter. They get aggressive, threatening, defensive, and “don’t try me” in the listing and in messages.

But here’s the problem: you can’t scare off baddies.

They already know they have to lie to get in. For some, it’s a challenge.

The people you do scare off are the ones you actually want.

Because goodies aren’t just applying for an apartment. They’re evaluating an experience.

They’re asking themselves:

“What’s it going to be like renting here for the next year… or three?”

So yes, you need a strong filter. But you need to put 3x the effort into the attraction side, because that’s what creates a high-quality applicant pool in the first place.

Here’s how I think about it, operator-style, using the 4 P’s.

1) Better Property

Not just presentation. The property itself.

Goodies notice maintenance and functionality immediately. They’re looking for “this place is cared for,” not “this place is being flipped on me.”

In NYC, amenities matter. I’m not listing the “top 10” here, but you already know the vibe: modern convenience isn’t luxury anymore. It’s baseline.

Things that quietly win:

• enough outlets (especially kitchens), and placed where humans actually live
• solid lighting, ventilation, ceiling fans where appropriate
• dishwasher, good water pressure, functional storage
• clean finishes, tight doors/locks, good windows, quiet where possible
• evidence of preventive maintenance, not patchwork repairs

Goodies don’t just look at photos. They look for signals that you’ll maintain the place after they move in.

2) Better Process

Process is what separates a professional operation from “this landlord is winging it.”

Goodies want to know:

• “How do repairs get handled?”
• “How do I pay?”
• “How fast do they respond?”
• “Is there a system… or am I going to be texting a random number forever?”

Operator moves that attract quality:

• scheduled showings (not on-demand chaos)
• clear steps and timelines
• online maintenance ticket system (even if it’s simple)
• online payments
• clarity on whether you accept credit cards (some strong tenants prefer it for points and cashflow management)
• consistent communication windows and expectations

The process is part of the product. A good tenant is selecting stability, not drama.

3) Better Prices

Pricing is a filter and a magnet at the same time.

Bad pricing creates bad outcomes:

• too high attracts over-promisers, negotiation warfare, and “creative documents”
• too low attracts volume, not quality, and signals hidden problems

Operator pricing is: “priced correctly for the tenant I want.”

Goodies will pay for value, but they also know the market.

If your place is missing the key convenience items, they’ll either:

• demand concessions
• or quietly wait for something better

4) Better Personality

This is the one landlords underestimate.

You can be strict without being hostile.

You can be careful without being paranoid.

You can be firm without being emotional.

A lot of landlords repel goodies by leading with negativity:

• “Scammers don’t apply”
• “If you waste my time…”
• “Don’t even try it”
• “I will call the police…”

That doesn’t scare baddies. It just tells good people: “This is going to be stressful.”

Operator tone attracts operator tenants:

• calm
• direct
• consistent
• respectful
• businesslike

The bottom line

Goodies are not an accident.

They’re a result.

They show up when:

• the property is genuinely livable and maintained
• the process feels predictable and professional
• the price matches the experience
• the personality signals “this will be smooth”

So yes, build a strong filter.

But if you want better tenants, especially in NYC, stop thinking like your job is to “avoid getting played.”

Your job is to create an environment where the best people choose you… and then run a filter that proves they’re real.