First house hack in the east bay area

[Austin Farsai]

Hello everyone, I just purchased a property with an already built permitted Adu and was going to rehab and renew the inside of the Adu before renting out. I just wanted to get any insight on how to properly rent this unit out. I currently am looking at getting my landlord insurance and already have homeowners' insurance as well. This is my first and only property so far and was wondering what else I should cover myself with and or do before officially renting out. I was going to use the software rent Redi for the application and background check process, I will most likely manage it myself and or get a handyman that I've known for a while to come through on anything that I can't do myself. I am also testing the waters with this by living in the front house and this being in its own separate unit and if it all goes well, I will be able to do a jradu on the same property and rent out both of those until I remodel the front house and rent out all three and purchase another property. Anything and everything will help thank you.

[Ryan Thomson]

Also here are some efficiency hacks I try to do when screening tenants: 

I have had a ton of luck with apartments.com (they bought Cozy). I list my rooms for rent here and then they put the listing on several of their affiliate sites. I get a couple interested leads a day.

Apartments.com is also where I have tenants fill out a background and credit check, set up automated rent payments, and upload renter's insurance. It's pretty sweet and free for me.

I also have some nice auto messages I use to do the initial "screen" to save my time from the tire kickers and the "is it still available" annoyers.

Here is my first message:

Yes it is! We require a 550+ credit score as well as a current job paystub or a co-signer who meets these requirements. The move in date is December 7th and is a month to month lease at $650/month (not including 50-70 a month for utilities). If all that works for you, when is a good time you can see the house? and what is a good number to reach you?

Here is my second message:

I have a couple questions for you to make sure its a good fit for you. Please answer these then we can go from there: What is your Job? Only you? Pets? Move in date? Estimated length of stay? Any questions for me? --

Sometimes my first message (if they seem more serious and put a little effort into their first response):

I saw your inquiry for my house at {{address}}. It is still available. Would you like to set up a time to see it? Than I go through those two messages above.

Tips:

1. great photos

2. good description. be clear what you require to cut down on wasting your time.

3. Pre-screen with email or text before you waste your time showing the room